LIP FILLERS

Pros

• Lip injections are a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure, with no significant downtime afterward.
• Skillfully injected dermal fillers can augment thin lips, correct asymmetry, or improve your lip shape. They can also smooth fine lines above the lips or reduce the appearance of smile lines.
• You'll see increased lip volume immediately and final results within 7-10 days, once the swelling and bruising resolves.
• Hyaluronic acid fillers can be safely dissolved with the enzyme hyaluronidase if the patient is unhappy with their outcome or has a complication. 
• There are many different kinds of lip fillers on the market, which allows an experienced provider to give each patient an individualized, natural-looking result.
• Lip fillers can be paired with other noninvasive treatments, like a Botox lip flip, to further enhance your result.

Cons

• Results aren’t permanent. You may need touch-ups every few months or yearly in order to maintain them, which can be costly. 
• This procedure can trigger cold sores, especially in those who are prone to them.
• It’s possible that your injector could overfill your lips, or you could be left with lumps or asymmetry post-injection. Fortunately, when using hyaluronic acid fillers, an overdone look can be corrected with hyaluronidase.
• More serious complications are rare but possible. Lip fillers can lead to infection, tissue loss from an accidental injection into a blood vessel, or scarring. To reduce these risks, avoid permanent options like liquid silicone filler. 

RealSelf Tip: If you love your results and want more permanent lip enhancement, a minor plastic surgery procedure like lip implants or a lip lift can create long-lasting contour and volume.

• Average Cost:
• $660

• Range:
• $335 - $1,501

Your cost will depend on your injector’s credentials and level of experience, their practice location, the type of dermal filler used, and the amount you need for your desired result.

Less than one syringe is typically used in a first-time appointment, but you may want more, depending on your aesthetic goals.

See our complete guide to lip filler costs

The lip filler photos in our gallery have been shared by the provider who performed the procedure, with the patient's consent.

Start prepping for your lip injection appointment 10 days in advance by avoiding blood thinners like ibuprofen, vitamin E, fish oil, or alcohol. This can help reduce side effects like bruising and swelling. 

A lip filler injection procedure usually begins with your injector applying a topical anesthetic to numb your lips (an especially sensitive area).

After the anesthetic takes effect, your provider will inject the filler through a small needle or cannula into areas of your lips where you want more volume or definition. The dermal filler can add instant plumpness, shape, definition, and balance. 

When they’ve finished with the injections, your provider will gently massage your top and bottom lips, to prevent the formation of lumps. (They may also recommend that you gently massage them at home.)

From start to finish, the whole process takes about 30 minutes.

Related: 9 Things You Shouldn't Do After Filler Injections

You should see a plumper pout and better definition immediately.

Swelling is a common side effect, and significant swelling is especially common if it’s your first time having lip injections, says Dr. Barbarino. Don't be too alarmed if you have exaggerated “duck lips” for up to a week post-treatment. Your final results will be visible about 7 to 10 days post-procedure, once the swelling goes down and any bruising resolves.  

Related: Why You Get Swelling After Lip Fillers, and How to Reduce It

Lip filler results last anywhere from 6 to 15 months , depending on which formula your provider uses and how your body metabolizes it. Results fade more quickly for some people, especially those who move their lips a lot. 

You can expect to need touch-up treatments every 6 to 12 months, to maintain your plump lips.

Related: How to Make Lip Filler Results Last Longer

Lip fillers are safe, when they're properly injected by an experienced provider. There's a common misconception that filler will stretch out your lips and leave them misshapen, but that's not the case with HA-based fillers. Your skin is elastic enough that it won't be stretched to the point where it becomes lax. As your body metabolizes the filler, your lips will gradually return to their original shape.

Related: Do Fillers “Ruin” Your Face? Doctors Explain.

Your provider should mention potential side effects during your initial consultation. The most common side effects are temporary swelling, bruising, and soreness at the injection site.

As we mentioned, more serious potential side effects include infection, allergic reaction, or scarring, as well as blindness or tissue death if the filler is accidentally injected into a blood vessel and not quickly dissolved. 

Because of these risks, it’s vitally important to make sure you're visiting a board-certified plastic surgeon, dermatologist, nurse injector, or another qualified medical provider who understands safe technique and is equipped to handle any problems that might occur post-treatment.

If you experience intense pain or drastic discoloration of the skin after your appointment, call your provider right away.

RealSelf Tip: Most providers recommend avoiding lip fillers while you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. As with most cosmetic treatments, very little testing has been done on patients who are pregnant, so it’s safest to err on the side of caution.

Lip injections can be more painful than other areas of the face, simply because lips are among the more sensitive regions on the body.

Because of this, providers typically use a topical numbing cream or perform a dental block prior to treatment, to make the procedure more comfortable. Many hyaluronic acid fillers also contain lidocaine, to aid in pain management. 

Expect some soreness for a few days after your treatment. Applying a light ice pack to the area can help ease discomfort and swelling.