ArticlePlastic and reconstructive surgery. Global open2021
A Safe and Effective Lip Augmentation Method: The Step-by-Step Φ (Phi) Technique.
Article in Plastic and reconstructive surgery. Global open, 2021. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 7 papers.
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Who cites it
7 citing papers in PubMed, 14 citations in OpenAlex.
- LA VISIONAesthetic plastic surgery · 2026Article
- Hyaluronic Acid Injection Techniques for Lip Augmentation-Comparison of Linear, Retrograde, and Microdeposit Approaches: A Systematic Review.Aesthetic surgery journal. Open forum · 2026Review
- Aesthetic Treatment of the Lips With Hyaluronic Acid Filler: The Multi Vector Lip Technique.Journal of cosmetic dermatology · 2025Article
- Anatomical-Based Diagnosis and Filler Injection Techniques: Lips and Philtrum.Life (Basel, Switzerland) · 2025Review
- Review of the Adverse Effects Associated with Dermal Filler Treatments: Part I Nodules, Granuloma, and Migration.Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland) · 2024Review
- "Bi-Bi" technique for lip augmentation: A retrospective study on 30 cases.Journal of cosmetic dermatology · 2022Article
- Advancements in lip augmentation: A scoping review exploring novel techniques.Journal of cutaneous and aesthetic surgeryArticle
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Authors and funding
3 authors at 1 institution in 1 country.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
The shape and fullness of the lips are essential in facial aesthetics. We describe a safe injection technique of hyaluronic acid (HA), based on the well-known golden number Φ (phi), for lip augmentation.
methodsThe name given to that procedure is "the step-by-step Φ technique." Firstly, "step-by-step" because we never inject more than 1-1.5 ml of HA in 1 session, and "phi" because we apply the golden ratio 1.618-broadly known as Φ-to identify the proper points for injection. Using a specific caliper, we identified 3-4 points in each upper half of the lip. We injected 0.01-0.05 ml of lower concentration (25 mg/g) HA in these particular areas of the upper lip, from the vermillion border into the vermillion. We took into consideration the existing lip volume to decide the proper amount of HA to be injected in every single site, as lips are often asymmetric. On the lower lip, we use the same caliper to identify again the proper injection points. If necessary, the next 2 sessions are performed at an interval of 15-30 days.
resultsOur technique was performed in 833 patients. Mean age was 30.2 years (range: 18-72 years), and most patients were very satisfied. With this technique, we avoid severe complications such as arterial embolism or venous occlusion and unnatural results. The most common side effects were swelling, redness, and mild pain.
conclusionThe step-by-step Φ technique is safe, easy to learn and perform, and can provide natural results in lip augmentation.
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Registered trials
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