Should you change the thickness of the fillers used with time?

Thank you for your detailed questions! I completely understand wanting to maximize volume while keeping safety in mind. Let’s break this down carefully:

Building volume with thick vs. thinner fillers:

Using a high G’ (thicker) filler for the initial base is effective for creating structure and lift because these fillers resist spreading and hold their shape well.

Switching to a lower G’ filler (like Juvederm Ultra Plus) on top can help refine the shape and smooth transitions. However, if your goal is maximum, dramatic volume, using a thick filler consistently often gives the best projection and fullness. Thinner fillers tend to spread more, so while they can enhance softness, they don’t add as much lift or structure.

Safety and blood flow concerns:

Any filler, especially thick ones, can compromise circulation if injected improperly or if excessive volume is placed in a small area too quickly.

Building volume gradually over several months with a skilled injector is usually safe, even with thick fillers, as long as proper technique and spacing are used. Spacing sessions every 6–10 weeks, as you mentioned, is reasonable.

Using thinner filler on top of thick filler:

This can create smoother edges and refine shape, but it generally won’t achieve the same bold projection as adding thick filler if your goal is maximum volume.

Thinner fillers are more for blending, softening, or correcting minor irregularities rather than building substantial volume on their own.

High-volume preferences (“sausage lips”):

If you love the full, dramatic look, sticking with thick filler for building and achieving your final volume is reasonable. The key is careful injection technique, proper layering, and spacing treatments to minimize risk.

Maintenance after reaching your desired volume can often be done once or twice a year, though metabolism can vary, and some may need touch-ups sooner.

Summary:

For maximum volume and projection, continuing with thick fillers is generally preferred.

Thinner fillers are more for refinement, not bulk.

Gradual, spaced treatments with a skilled injector minimize risk of vascular compromise.

You can safely build dramatic volume if injections are done carefully and incrementally.

I'm a big proponent for mix and matching fillers if the results are right. Some fillers, like Radiesse, have a high G' which is great for the temples, chin and jaw and will look amazing in those areas. Other fillers like Versa are great for under the eyes, lips, nose, etc. My suggestion is to follow what your injector recommends. Afterall, they are the experts and want only what's best for their patients.

Hi there! I’m Lauren, the aesthetic provider here at Colorado Plastic Surgery Center. This comes up a lot. The short answer is that switching from a thicker, high G-prime filler to a softer filler like Ultra Plus doesn’t make large volumes inherently safer. Blood flow risk isn’t about the type of filler, it’s about total volume, placement, spacing, and injector skill.
Building a base with a thicker filler and layering softer filler later won’t necessarily give the same result as continuing with a thicker product, and it doesn’t eliminate vascular risk. The lips are a small, highly vascular area, so adding volume too quickly or too frequently can increase pressure on the tissue regardless of the filler used.
If someone wants very full lips, it definitely can be done safely, but it needs to be staged over time with proper spacing and a very experienced injector who understands lip anatomy and knows when to slow down. Product choice matters, but technique matters more!