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The Skin Doctor

Doctor-led LipLase lip rejuvenation at our Ivanhoe clinic — a non-ablative Fotona Er:YAG laser (SMOOTH mode) applied to the lips and perioral skin, including a gentle intraoral step. It stimulates collagen for subtle firming, definition and smoother lip lines without dermal filler. Minimal downtime, delivered as a short course of sessions.

Non-surgical lip rejuvenation

LipLase Lip Rejuvenation

Doctor-led LipLase lip rejuvenation at our Ivanhoe clinic — a non-ablative Fotona Er:YAG laser (SMOOTH mode) applied to the lips and perioral skin, including a gentle intraoral step. It stimulates collagen for subtle firming, definition and smoother lip lines without dermal filler. Minimal downtime, delivered as a short course of sessions.

Portrait of Dr Christopher Irwin

By Dr Christopher Irwin, MBChB, FRACGP, MMed (Skin Cancer), FACAM, ASCD

Last reviewed 2026-06-06 · Editorial policy

Quick definition

LipLase is a non-surgical lip rejuvenation treatment using a non-ablative Fotona Er:YAG laser (SMOOTH mode). It gently warms the lips and surrounding perioral skin — including a gentle intraoral step — to stimulate collagen for subtle firming, definition and smoother lip lines, without dermal filler and without breaking the skin surface. LipLase supports lip quality and definition rather than adding injected volume. Minimal downtime, typically delivered as a short course of sessions with gradual, natural-looking results.

LipLase is a doctor-led, non-surgical lip rejuvenation treatment that uses a non-ablative Er:YAG laser to gently heat the lips and the skin around them, stimulating your own collagen for subtle definition, firmness and smoother lip lines — without injectable filler.

At The Skin Doctor, LipLase is assessed and planned by Dr Chris, with honest advice about when laser is the right tool and when filler would serve your goal better.

Best for

  • thinning, flattening or loss of lip definition with age
  • fine “lipstick” lines and crinkling of the upper lip
  • softening of the perioral (around-the-mouth) area
  • a subtle, natural lift in lip quality without filler

How LipLase works

LipLase uses a non-ablative Er:YAG laser in SMOOTH mode. Rather than removing the surface, it delivers controlled warmth to the lip and perioral tissue — including a gentle intraoral step — to trigger a collagen-stimulating response. Over the following weeks, this supports firmer, better-defined lips with smoother surrounding skin.

Because it works through your own collagen, results are gradual and build over a course of sessions.

LipLase vs lip filler

These are different tools for different goals:

  • Lip filler adds volume by injecting hyaluronic acid gel.
  • LipLase supports lip quality, firmness and definition by stimulating your own collagen — no injected volume.

They can be complementary, but if your main goal is significant added volume, filler is the honest answer and we will tell you so rather than recommend repeated laser sessions that cannot deliver it.

Results and course

  • subtle firmness and definition build over weeks to months
  • typically a short course of sessions spaced a few weeks apart
  • maintenance sessions help preserve the result

See the Results timeline below for typical milestones.

Downtime

Most people have only mild redness or slight lip swelling for a few hours up to a day, and can return to normal activities straight away.

Why choose The Skin Doctor

  • doctor-led assessment and treatment planning
  • honest guidance on laser vs filler for your goal
  • cold-sore (herpes simplex) history managed proactively before treatment
  • conservative settings tailored to your lips and skin type

What to expect

  1. Consultation and assessment

    A consultation with Dr Chris to assess the lips and perioral area, review your medical history and prior treatments (including filler and injectables), and discuss realistic goals. The laser approach and staged plan are explained before booking.

  2. Preparation and eye protection

    The area is cleansed, photographs are taken for baseline comparison, and protective eyewear is fitted. Comfort options are discussed.

  3. Er:YAG SMOOTH-mode laser sequence

    LipLase uses a controlled non-ablative Er:YAG laser (SMOOTH mode) applied to the lips and the surrounding perioral skin — including a gentle intraoral step — to warm the tissue and stimulate collagen for subtle firming and definition without breaking the skin surface.

  4. Cooling and aftercare

    Soothing, SPF and written aftercare instructions. Most people leave with only mild redness or slight lip swelling.

  5. Follow-up and course planning

    LipLase is typically delivered as a short course of sessions a few weeks apart for the best collagen response, with maintenance discussed based on your result.

Results timeline

  • Immediately Lips may feel a little firmer or fuller from mild warmth and swelling. Any redness or swelling usually settles within hours to a day.
  • 2–4 weeks Early collagen response — subtle improvement in lip definition, smoothness of perioral lines and overall lip quality.
  • 3 months Fuller collagen remodelling becomes apparent after a course of sessions — refreshed, more defined lips with a natural look.
  • 6–12 months Maintenance phase. Results are gradual and not permanent; periodic top-up sessions help preserve them.

Ideal candidate

  • Thinning, flattening or loss of definition of the lips with age
  • Fine "lipstick" lines and crinkling of the upper lip
  • People who want subtle, natural lip enhancement without dermal filler
  • Patients seeking collagen-supported lip quality rather than added volume
  • Those wanting to soften the perioral (around-the-mouth) area
  • Patients comfortable with gradual change over a course of sessions
  • Realistic expectations — LipLase refreshes and supports the lips; it does not replicate the volume of filler

Frequently asked questions

  • Is LipLase the same as lip filler?
    No. Lip filler adds volume by injecting hyaluronic acid gel. LipLase uses a non-ablative Er:YAG laser to gently heat the lips and surrounding skin and stimulate your own collagen — for subtle firming, definition and quality rather than injected volume. The two can be complementary, and we will help you choose honestly based on your goal. If you genuinely want significant added volume, filler is the better tool and we will say so.
  • Is it painful?
    Most people describe warmth rather than pain. LipLase is non-ablative, so it does not break the skin surface. Settings are tailored to your comfort, and the intraoral step is generally well tolerated.
  • How many sessions will I need?
    LipLase is usually a short course of sessions spaced a few weeks apart for the best collagen response, followed by maintenance. The exact plan is set at your consultation based on your lips and goals.
  • What's the downtime?
    Minimal. Most people have only mild redness or slight lip swelling for a few hours up to a day. You can usually return to normal activities straight away.
  • I get cold sores — can I still have LipLase?
    Tell us at consultation. A history of cold sores (herpes simplex) around the mouth is important because laser treatment can trigger a flare. We can plan preventive antiviral medication where appropriate so this is managed rather than a surprise.
  • Will the results last?
    Results are gradual and not permanent. The new collagen does not vanish overnight, but natural ageing continues, so periodic maintenance sessions help preserve the refreshed look over time.

References

  1. OCT evaluation of intraoral non-ablative Er:YAG laser (SMOOTH mode) in rejuvenation of nasolabial folds — a prospective randomized split-face comparative pilot study. Skin Res Technol. 2020.DOI: 10.1111/srt.12816

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Medically reviewed by Dr Christopher Irwin, MBChB, FRACGP, MMed (Skin Cancer), FACAM, ASCD · Last reviewed 2026-06-06 · Editorial policy