Stacking lip fillers - will my lips get smaller all of a sudden?

Question

I had Restalyn Refine lip filler starting first in January 2022 and in February 2023 added more so they were stacked together. I got a refresh done in July 2022. Will my lips get smaller all of a sudden when the layer in February 2022 wears off before the most recent filler I got in July? It looked great but but now I'm worried that as more time goes on the older filler is going to start fade since they were injected earlier despite stacking & my lips will deflate significantly

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Typically Hyaluronic acid will help rejuvenate your own collagen.  I typically recommend patients to come back for more filler once they notice that their filler is breaking down.  If your using a filler indicated to last about 6 months, I would suggest coming back in about 4 months to add more.  I would suggest speaking to your injector and following their protocol.  Best of luck to you.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

For unique cases where a variety of modalities could be used to treat the condition, I would suggest an in-person or virtual consultation to develop a custom and effective treatment plan.  It is difficult to precisely define the best option without collecting the same information. I suggest reaching out to an expert for a consultation with surgical and non-surgical methods to get a comprehensive option. Best, Dr. Emer.

The Best Injector - Delray Beach · Answer

A lot of times patients feel like their lip filler is "going away" when in fact its still there (when comparing baseline photographs to current), or possibly you liked them better while they were a little swollen - or you have gotten used to the size. Depending on what your lips started at compared to what your optimal lip size / shape goal was, this could take multiple sessions of several syringes to achieve. 1 syringe is only the size of a blueberry. It takes about 10 syringes to get 1 ketchup packet. Without photos to reference, this is a tough answer. Restylane Refyne and Kysse are two products that I find patients feel "go away" (appear to) the fastest. They are soft, natural, hydrating and integrate into tissue well. These generally lose their umph quicker despite still "being" there. If youre looking for "more" either you need more syringes to achieve your desired look, or maybe a different more "plump" filler to achieve the look youre going for and longevity you desire.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Filler will be metabolized gradually, so you should not notice a "sudden" change.  When you no longer have the fullness you want, you can return to your injector for a treatment.  It is fine to use different types of filler in the same area.

William C. Harris, MD · Answer

Great question. Hyaluronic acid lip filler like the Restylane you received should last at least 4-6 months if not longer in most patients. That being said, the fullness may very gradually come down over that time period. Lip filler added at a later time becomes integrated into the tissues like the first couple times and this should again gradually fade in fullness over time. The correct time to consider getting another injection is if you feel like you need a little more fullness, but you should not see a rapid decline in effect from the first 2 sets of filler. I hope this helps and make sure to always see someone who is experienced and well-trained in fillers as placing them in the wrong layer can have a much different timeline for length of effect.

Stacking lip fillers - will my lips get smaller all of a sudden?

Answers (5)

More Restylane Questions

Is Restylane the best treatment option for smile lines? (photos)

Marionette lines and shadowing not improved with filler - do I need more Restylane? (photos)

What is causing this lump and dark line after under eye filler? (Photos)

Restylane vs Belotero for under eye filler to prevent Tyndall?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS