How Long Does Lip Filler Last?: Everything You Need to Know
Lip fillers offer that extra touch of fullness and definition that can boost your confidence and give you the look you’ve always wanted. If you’re considering lip augmentation with dermal fillers but want to make them last as long as possible, there are steps you can take to influence their longevity.
What are lip fillers?
Lip fillers are an injectable treatment used to enhance the volume and shape of lips. One of the most popular types of lip filler is hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the body that helps maintain moisture and elasticity in the skin. Hyaluronic acid is ideal for lip enhancement, as it can provide a soft, natural look while adding hydration.
The goal of lip augmentation is to add fullness to your pout, improve lip contour, or address asymmetry in the lips. Depending on your personal preferences, lip augmentation can create a variety of effects, from subtle changes to more noticeable plumpness and volume.
How do lip fillers work?
Lip fillers are administered through a series of small injections into the lips. Once injected, the hyaluronic acid filler attracts water, adding volume and creating a fuller appearance. The skilled injector will place the filler in specific areas to balance the shape and contour of your lips, providing a natural-looking result.
What to Expect During a Lip Filler Consultation
Before your lip filler consultation, it’s a good idea to research and think about what results you want to achieve. Look at photos of lip shapes and sizes that appeal to you, which will help you communicate your goals more clearly.
When you arrive for your lip filler appointment, the first step is making you comfortable. Your practitioner will cleanse your lips and the surrounding area to prepare for the treatment. To help ease any discomfort, they may apply a topical numbing cream, which usually takes about 15-20 minutes to kick in.
Once you're feeling numb, your clinician will use a fine needle to gently inject the filler into specific areas of your lips. You might feel a slight pressure or pinch, but the numbing cream should keep things comfortable.
The actual injection process typically takes about 15-30 minutes, depending on how much enhancement you're going for. Your licensed aesthetician will work carefully, often massaging your lips to distribute the filler evenly.
What to Expect After a Lip Filler Procedure
After your appointment, you'll likely notice some swelling and tenderness in your lips, which is common and should subside within a few days. For the first 24 hours, avoid touching or massaging your lips to allow the filler to settle properly.
Like any cosmetic procedure, lip injections come with potential side effects. While many people enjoy beautiful results with minimal issues, it’s important to be aware of what you might experience. Common side effects include:
Swelling: This is one of the most common reactions and usually subsides within a few days.
Bruising: Some people may notice bruising at the injection sites, which typically resolves quickly.
Tenderness: Your lips may feel sensitive or tender for a short time after treatment.
Lumps or Irregularities: Occasionally, small lumps may form under the skin, but these often smooth out as the filler settles.
Serious side effects like allergic reactions are rare, but they can happen. Choosing a licensed and experienced professional for your treatment is vital to minimise the risks.
How long do lip injections last?
When you get hyaluronic acid lip fillers, you can typically expect the results to last anywhere from 6 to 12 months. However, this timeframe will vary from person to person.
There are several factors that will influence the longevity of lip fillers, including:
The specific type of filler used
The amount of filler injected
Your body's natural metabolism
Everyone's experience with lip fillers is unique. Some people find their results fade faster, while others enjoy longer-lasting effects. If you're happy with your new lips, you can maintain the look with regular touch-up appointments.
Are hyaluronic acid lip fillers permanent?
Lip fillers aren't permanent. As your body gradually absorbs the hyaluronic acid, the volume in your lips will diminish over time. If you love your results and want to maintain that fuller look, you'll need to schedule touch-up appointments.
The temporary nature of lip fillers allows for flexibility. With each session, you can adjust the amount and style of enhancement. This way, you can achieve your desired look without committing to a permanent change.
How to Maintain Your Lip Filler Results
After your lip filler treatment, take care of your lips for the best results. Here’s what to avoid in the days following your appointment:
Don’t Touch Your Lips: For at least 24 hours, resist the urge to touch, massage, or apply pressure to your lips.
Skip Intense Workouts: Hold off on strenuous exercise for 24-48 hours. Keeping your heart rate down will help minimise swelling and bruising.
Stay Cool: Avoid saunas, steam rooms, hot showers, and heated workouts for at least a day or two, as high temperatures can increase swelling.
Limit Alcohol: It’s best to avoid alcohol for 24-48 hours after treatment. Alcohol can thin the blood and lead to more bruising.
Go Make-Up Free: Give your lips a break from makeup for the first 24 hours to keep the area clean and reduce irritation.
Avoid Blood Thinners: Steer clear of blood-thinning medications like ibuprofen for 24-48 hours.
No Smoking or Vaping: Try to avoid smoking or vaping for at least 24-48 hours post-treatment. It can irritate your lips and slow down healing.
Watch Your Salt Intake: Excessive salt can contribute to swelling, so opt for fresh, hydrating foods in the first few days.
Delay Flying: If you have travel plans, it’s wise to avoid flying for at least a week after your treatment, as air pressure changes can impact the swelling.
Postpone Other Treatments: Wait at least 2 weeks before getting any other facial treatments to allow your lips time to heal properly.
Cosmetic Lip Enhancement at The Dental Spa
If you're ready to enhance your lips, The Dental Spa is here to help! Our skilled team specialises in cosmetic lip augmentation, using high-quality fillers to achieve natural-looking results tailored to your unique features.
Experience the boost in confidence that comes with beautifully plump lips. Schedule a consultation today and take the first step towards the lips you've always wanted!
Longevity of Lip Fillers FAQs
Will lips go back to normal after filler?
As the filler dissolves, your lips will gradually return to their natural state. This typically takes 6 - 18 months, depending on the type of dermal filler used and how quickly your body metabolises it.
What are the long-term effects of lip fillers?
When performed by a qualified professional, lip fillers have minimal long-term effects. Once the filler dissolves, your lips should return to their original state. However, repeated overfilling can potentially stretch the lip tissue over time.
Do lip fillers last longer the second time?
Not necessarily. How long your results last depends more on your metabolism. However, some patients find they need less product over time to achieve their desired look.
How much lip filler should I get the first time?
For first-timers, we recommend starting with 0.5-1ml of filler. This way, we can enhance your lips subtly and naturally. We can always add more at a follow-up appointment if needed.