Lip Fillers Gone Quickly - Does anyone know why it faded so fast?

Dear Thebiggerthebetter,
some people dissolve fillers faster than others. I perform a lot of lip injections with fillers such as juvederm and it works great. Many times I need to put more in one side than the other to attempt to even out the vermillion border (The red line of the lip). This helps provide more symmetry at times.
For patients looking for a more long lasting result, I recommend fat grafting. That is, using your own bodies fat to make your lips naturally look more shapely. The bonus is that the results last many many years.
In general, I avoid using permanent prosthesis because I find that the lips are such dynamic and sensitive structures, the end result is not natural.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Some people do tend to lose the effect of fillers faster than others. Too, the initial swelling can cause you to sometimes forget where you started (which is why before and after photos count!)

WHERE the filler is placed makes a big difference. Directly in the lips won't necessarily give you the best outcome and does subject all the filler to the forces of lip movement. Notice how some people use their lips with lots of animation and others seem to barely move them at all. Which applies to you?

You want your lips to fit your face and often that means providing some additional substructure around and behind the lips. This peripherally placed filler can creates a lip eversion which actually helps you see more of your natural lip.

Thank you for your question, Most doctors will start with one-syringe to avoid overfilling. These fillers, (Volbella, Restylane, Juvederm) are good to create a symmetrical and full lip. PDO NovaThreads can also be used to improve shape and also provide lift. Fat or implants are a permanent alternative. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a facial sculpting expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Thank you for your question.  Lip filler typically lasts 6-9 months, but sometimes you need a few visits to attain the volume desired.  Swelling often occurs after filler, so your immediate result will not be your end result.  You could also ask about different types of fillers that can give more structure vs. hydration.  

Thank you for your question.Every patient is different on how long a product will last for them. If your body metabolizes the product quickly you could try using a different product to see if it lasts longer. Another more permanent option would be fat grafting to the lips.

What does matter is the correct choice of filler. It is highly improbable that Resytlane was your filler. This product stays put and the peak effects last about 10 to 12 months. One thing that definitely helps is to go to a legitimate practitioner (does not have to be a general plastic surgeon). If you are going somewhere that does not use before and after picture-it is a sketchy office. The photos are actually very helpful to understand what the treatment has done. It is more likely that you received a runny filler like Belotero, Juvederm, or Restylane Refyne. Know your injector and know what product you are getting. 

Thank you for sharing your question.  For most patients a quick dissolving of the filler has more to do with too little product placed and the resolution of swelling after treatment.  I would work with a single injector to supply you with the best filler type, and amounts, to help you achieve your goals. 

I suspect the amount of product and the resolution of post procedure swelling both had an impact on your results. I would followup with your injector to discuss your concerns. I prefer to use Restylane Refyne when treating the lips. I usually start with 1 (1 mL) syringe to the lips and then add more as needed at followup appointments. Restylane is also a good filler for the lips. It has a higher G' then Refyne and so will give more augmentation in my opinion. With both fillers, the results should last 6-9 months. 

Even though there are individuals in whom hyaluronic acid is broken down rather quickly, it is my suspicion that your lip augmentation was not done by a plastic surgeon. There are way too many offices and spas where lip augmentation is offered and is frequently done by non-physicians and the worst offense of all is that not real products are being used. You shouldn't think it was Restylane that was used in your lips, you should know it. It is your body that is being injected with something. If it was definitely Restylane that was used in your lips, I would try to use Juvederm the next time around. I hope this helps and good luck from New York City plastic surgery

this is known phenomenon. Ha fillers last roughly in proportion to tissue movement. In lids temples and noses 2 years is average and can go longer.
Lips and nasolabial folds move much more and the duration is much less. 
I thought everyone knew this...