Lip fillers, also known as dermal fillers, are injectable treatments used to add volume and fullness to the lips. They are popular cosmetic procedures that can enhance lip shape and size. The most common reasons patients seek lip fillers are to:
Increase lip volume and fullness for a more youthful appearance
Improve lip symmetry
Define the lip border or create more sensual lips
Reduce fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth
How Do Lip Fillers Work?
Lip fillers are made up of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the body that helps provide volume and hydration to the skin. When injected into the lips, the hyaluronic acid integrates into the tissue and attracts water molecules. This causes the lips to become plumper as the filler adds volume.
The results from lip fillers are temporary, lasting 6-12 months typically. The filler is eventually broken down and absorbed by the body. Repeat treatments are needed to maintain the effect.
Types of Lip Fillers
There are several types of FDA-approved hyaluronic acid fillers that can be used for lip enhancement:
Juvederm: A smooth gel filler made by Allergan, Juvederm is one of the most popular choices for lip augmentation. Different formulations are available based on the amount of hyaluronic acid in each syringe. Juvederm Volbella adds subtle volume, while Voluma and Ultra Plus provide more dramatic plumping.
Restylane: Produced by Galderma, Restylane lip fillers provide both volumizing and definition. Restylane Silk is designed specifically for fine line treatment and shaping the edges of the lips.
Teosyal: Made by Swiss company Teoxane, the Teosyal range includes both soft and firmer gels for different parts of the lips. Teosyal Kiss and Teosyal PureSense are made for the body of the lips, while RHA 2 and 3 work well to accentuate the lip contours.
Belotero: Merz Aesthetics Belotero Balance is often used for a very natural look, as it integrates seamlessly into the lips. The effects are subtle and soft.
The Lip Filler Procedure
Lip filler injections are performed in-office and typically take 15-30 minutes. The steps include:
The area is cleaned and a topical numbing cream applied. This helps make the injections more comfortable.
The dermal filler is injected in small amounts using an ultrafine needle. The injection sites are placed strategically to shape and augment the lips.
After injections, the provider will mold and massage the lips to evenly distribute the filler.
Initial swelling and tenderness are common. Icing the area helps reduce swelling and discomfort.
Results are visible immediately but it can take a few days for swelling to completely subside.
A follow-up appointment is usually scheduled within 2 weeks to assess the results. Touch-up injections can be performed at this time if needed.
Recovery and Side Effects
Swelling, bruising, and tenderness generally resolve within a few days after lip fillers.
Lumps or bumps can sometimes occur but often dissipate in 2-3 weeks as the filler settles.
Cold compresses and over-the-counter pain medication help minimize discomfort.
Avoid kissing, drinking from a straw, or excessive lip movement for 12 hours after treatment.
More serious but rare side effects include tissue necrosis and infection. Seek medical attention if excessive swelling, redness, drainage, or fever occur.
Results typically last 6-12 months before a maintenance treatment is required. The duration depends on the type and amount of filler used.
Candidates for Lip Fillers
Good candidates for lip fillers include:
Those in overall good health without any infections or open sores on the lips
Individuals looking to subtly enhance their lips or fill moderate signs of aging
Patients with mild lip asymmetry they wish to balance out
People seeking better definition along the lip border
Those with naturally thin lips wanting added volume and fullness
Finding an Experienced Provider
It’s important to have lip fillers performed by an experienced and properly trained medical professional. Board certified plastic surgeons and dermatologists have advanced expertise in cosmetic injectables. Also look for an injector who has specialized training and regularly performs lip augmentation. View before and after photos and read reviews before choosing a provider.
Overview of Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers, also known as injectable fillers, are synthetic or naturally derived products that are injected beneath the skin to restore lost volume, smooth lines and wrinkles, and enhance facial contours. Dermal fillers help provide a more youthful appearance without surgery or downtime. They are among the most popular minimally invasive cosmetic treatments.
How Do Dermal Fillers Work?
Dermal fillers add volume when injected into facial tissue. They work by plumping up skin sections that have lost collagen and elastin due to aging. This has a smoothing and filling effect on wrinkles and volume loss.
Most dermal fillers contain hyaluronic acid, a molecule that naturally occurs in the skin. Hyaluronic acid fillers have the benefit of being reversible with hyaluronidase if needed. Other fillers are made from synthetic materials like calcium hydroxylapatite or poly-L-lactic acid.
Results from dermal fillers are temporary, lasting from 6 months to 2 years in most cases. Maintenance injections are required approximately every 6-18 months.
Types of Dermal Fillers
There are many FDA-approved dermal filler products to address different cosmetic concerns:
Restylane and Juvederm: The most popular hyaluronic acid fillers used for wrinkles and volume loss in areas like the cheeks, lips, and around the mouth. Different formulations are available for specific uses.
Sculptra: Poly-L-lactic acid stimulates collagen production for gradual volume replacement. Results build over time.
Radiesse: Calcium hydroxylapatite filler that stimulates long-term collagen and lasts over a year. Used for wrinkles and volume loss.
Belotero: A hyaluronic acid filler that seamlessly integrates into tissue. Useful for fine lines and delicate areas.
Versa: A unique Tunable Hyaluronic Acid makes this filler customizable for different depths and areas.
Treatment Areas for Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers can be used in many facial areas:
Nasolabial folds (lines from nose to mouth corners)
Marionette lines (lines from mouth corners down)
Lips – for volume, definition and smoothing lines
Cheeks – restore volume lost with age
Temples – replace lost volume
Tear troughs – fill hollows under eyes
Chin – augment and sharpen contours
Jawline – define the jaw
Nose – straighten or smooth bumps
The Dermal Filler Procedure
Dermal filler injections are performed in-office. No anesthesia is required.
The injection site is cleaned and marked. Some providers apply numbing cream or use nerve blocks for comfort.
Fillers are injected through ultrafine needles into the facial planes to add volume or fill lines.
After injections, the provider may massage the area to smooth and evenly distribute the filler.
Results are immediate but there may be some swelling right after. This usually resolves within a few days.
A follow up visit is scheduled to check the results and make adjustments if needed.
Recovery and Side Effects
Redness, swelling, bruising and tenderness are common but typically resolve within a week.
Avoid alcohol, NSAIDs like ibuprofen, and high sodium foods for 24 hours to minimize swelling.
Apply cold compresses and elevate the head when resting to reduce swelling.
Avoid facials, massage, exercise, and sun exposure for 24 hours after treatment.
Acetaminophen can help manage discomfort.
More serious side effects like infection and tissue necrosis are very rare when proper injection techniques are used. If they occur, seek medical care promptly.
Initially results last from 6 months up to 2 years depending on the filler and area treated. Maintenance injections are necessary over time.
Candidates for Dermal Fillers
Good candidates for dermal filler treatment include:
Individuals who want to diminish common signs of facial aging like wrinkles, volume loss, and sagging skin.
Those looking for subtle lip enhancement or to smooth lines around the mouth.
Patients with mild to moderate volume loss in the cheeks, temples, chin, etc.
People in overall good health without any autoimmune disorders.
Non-smokers (smoking impedes healing and increases side effects).
Realistic expectations are important for optimal results.
Finding an Experienced Provider
Take time researching and finding an experienced injector for your dermal filler treatment. Things to look for include:
Board certification as a plastic surgeon or dermatologist. Their extensive training gives them expertise in facial anatomy and injection techniques.
Before and after photos to evaluate the provider’s artistic eye and skill.
Reviews from past patients.
A customized approach – a thorough consultation should be provided to address your unique goals.
Use of the latest dermal filler products and injection methods.
Focus on providing natural-looking results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are lip fillers painful?
Most patients tolerate lip filler injections well. They do cause some mild discomfort and stinging during the procedure. Topical or injected numbing creams are often used to maximize comfort. Any pain from the injections is usually minimal and temporary.
How long do lip fillers last?
Lip fillers produce visible results immediately after the injections. However the initial fullness subsides within a few days as some swelling dissipates. On average most lip fillers last from 6-12 months. Lip augmentation with hyaluronic acid fillers like Juvederm and Restylane typically last from 6-9 months. Thicker fillers formulated for volumizing like Juvederm Voluma may last up to a year. But natural breakdown of the filler and metabolism do occur so maintenance treatments are needed. How long results last also depends on the individual’s natural metabolism.
Do dermal fillers make you look unnatural?
Dermal fillers should not make you look obviously “filled up” or unnatural when performed by an experienced injector. A properly trained provider focuses on restoring facial volume and fullness in a very balanced, proportional way. The goal is to make you look refreshed and rejuvenated, not artificial. However filler placement and depth of injection are important. Superficial and excessive placement can lead to an overdone look. But an expert injector knows how to use fillers to subtly smooth lines and creases for imperceptible augmentation. Less is often more with dermal fillers. Moderation is key.
What is the best dermal filler for lips?
The ideal lip filler provides subtle volume while retaining a soft, pillowy, and natural feel. Hyaluronic acid fillers like Juvederm Volbella and Restylane Silk are often considered the gold standard. Their smooth gel consistency integrates seamlessly into the lip tissue. Volbella and Silk are specifically designed for optimal lip augmentation and shaping while avoiding a stiff, overly plump look. These modern “soft” fillers help lips look full but wonderfully natural. Another excellent option is Teoxane Teosyal PureSense, an ultra-flexible hyaluronic acid filler that provides very smooth, natural-looking lip enhancement.
How often do lip fillers need to be repeated?
Most patients need to repeat lip filler injections every 6 months to 1 year in order to maintain results. That’s because the filler material gets gradually broken down and absorbed by the body over time. Regular touch up injections every 6-12 months are necessary to sustain fuller, more youthful looking lips. The frequency of repeat treatments depends on several factors – the type and amount of filler used, the patient’s metabolism, and placement technique. Consistent maintenance appointments can help prolong lip enhancement for years. Lips may also lose some volume with age, so some patients opt to increase the amount of filler injected at subsequent appointments.
Can you reverse dermal fillers?
One of the benefits of hyaluronic acid fillers like Juvederm and Restylane is that they can be reversed using hyaluronidase if needed. This is an enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid. Most other dermal fillers cannot be dissolved. Injecting small amounts of hyaluronidase eliminates unwanted filler, reversing the augmentation. This reversal technique comes in handy if a patient has overfilled an area and wants to tone down the results. It’s best to have dissolvement performed soon after the original injection before the filler integrates more permanently into the tissue. For optimal dissolving, return to your original provider as they know the product and injection sites. Allow several weeks for results.
Are there any side effects with lip fillers?
Lip fillers are considered very safe with minimal risks when performed properly. But as with any cosmetic procedure, potential side effects can occur. Common ones include temporary swelling, bruising, tenderness, and redness around the injection sites. These usually resolve within 3-5 days. Lumps or bumps under the skin sometimes happen but often improve with lip massage. Rare serious risks include infection and blocked blood vessel causing tissue damage. Seek medical care if you have excessive pain, swelling lasting over a week, drainage, fever or vision issues. Always go to an experienced provider to avoid complications from improper filler injection.
What results can I expect with cheek fillers?
Cheek fillers rejuvenate the midface by replacing volume lost with age. This provides a lifting effect on sagging cheeks. Filler injected along the cheekbone can restore a more defined contour. Typical results you can expect from properly placed dermal filler in the cheeks include:
Smoother, plumper, more youthful cheek appearance with restored fullness
Minimized sagging along the nasolabial folds and jawline
More defined cheekbones for improved facial definition
An overall refreshed and rejuvenated look
But the level of improvement depends on the filler chosen and the individual’s degree of volume loss and skin laxity. Multiple syringes are often required for significant volumizing of hollow cheek areas. Discuss your specific goals and expectations with an experienced provider during your consultation.
How do I maximize and maintain lip filler results?
Stick to the recommended aftercare instructions from your provider, like avoiding strenuous activity for 24 hours. This helps minimize swelling and side effects.
Use lip balm and moisturizer daily to keep your lips hydrated. Exfoliate gently once or twice a week.
Sun protection is crucial – apply SPF 30 or greater to help keep your lips from losing volume.
Schedule maintenance appointments every 6-12 months to sustain your lip filler enhancement. Consistency is key.
Tell your provider at follow up visits if you wish to adjust the volume – don’t be afraid to ask for adjustments.
Take images over time to help you evaluate if tweaks to the filler placement or amount would optimize your look.
Adopting healthy lifestyle habits like staying hydrated, not smoking, and eating nutritious whole foods can potentially help extend the duration between repeat injections.
Are dermal fillers safe?
Dermal fillers have an excellent safety profile when performed correctly by a trained medical professional. However, side effects like swelling, bruising, and numbness can sometimes occur. There is also a small risk of more serious complications like infection, Tyndall effect (blueish discoloration under the eyes), and even vision impairment or blindness (extremely rare). Choosing an experienced board-certified provider is the key to avoiding risks like injection into a blood vessel which can impede blood flow. Proper injection technique is crucial. Also be sure you are an appropriate candidate by discussing your full medical history with your provider.
References
American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Dermal Fillers. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/dermal-fillers
Elle. The Difference Between the Most Popular Lip Filler Options. https://www.elle.com.au/beauty/lips/the-difference-between-the-most-popular-lip-filler-options-23531
International Journal of Women’s Dermatology. Complications Associated with Hyaluronic Acid Fillers: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6379943/
Pacific Dermatology and Cosmetic Center. https://www.pacificdermcenter.com/cosmetic-treatments/injectables/dermal-fillers/radiesse/
Skin Health Experts. https://skinhealthexperts.com.au/blog/dermal-fillers-work-restylane-vs-juvederm-teosyal-belotero/
The Dermatology Review. Juvederm Volbella: Treatment Areas, Side Effects, Cost, And More. https://www.thedermreview.com/juvederm-volbella/
The Point. 7 Things To Know Before Getting Lip Injections. https://thepointsguy.com/guide/lip-injections-things-to-know/
UMass Memorial Health Care. https://www.umassmed.edu/aesthetics/blog/blog-posts1
