Will lip fillers make my lips sag?

Question

Will lip fillers (1/2 cc of a syringe) make my lips sag when it breaks down? I have small, thin lips and would only get half a syringe, but I’m concerned that if I want to stop using fillers, that my lips will be saggy from them. I’m 39, f.

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

This is a very common concern, especially for those with naturally thinner lips or those considering filler for the first time.

The good news is that a small amount of lip filler, such as 0.5 cc, is unlikely to cause sagging when it dissolves—especially if administered properly and if the product is a hyaluronic acid-based filler, which is temporary and gradually metabolized by the body.

Here are a few points to consider:

Hyaluronic acid attracts water, which adds hydration and volume to the lips. Over time, as the filler breaks down, the lips return to their natural state. They may feel smaller only because you've gotten used to the added volume, not because they’ve stretched or sagged.

When done conservatively, filler does not stretch the tissue permanently, especially in the low doses you’re describing (0.5 cc). Issues with sagging or tissue laxity are more commonly associated with excessive or repeated overfilling over time.

At age 39, the lips naturally begin to lose some volume due to aging. Sometimes, patients misattribute natural volume loss to filler dissolving when in fact, it’s part of the aging process.

In summary, a half-syringe of lip filler is unlikely to cause sagging, and if you decide not to continue with fillers in the future, your lips will typically return to their baseline appearance without long-term negative effects.

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Hello! My name is Jessica, I am a physician assistant, and one of the providers at Aesthetic Skin in Winnetka and Chicago. This is a great question. Lip fillers, when administered correctly, are generally designed to enhance the volume and shape of the lips rather than cause sagging. However, there are a few factors to consider:

Volume and Proportion: Overfilling the lips or using an excessive amount of filler can lead to a disproportionate appearance, potentially affecting the lip's natural contour and leading to an unbalanced look. This might create the impression of sagging or an unnatural shape.

Filler Placement: The technique and placement of the filler are crucial. If the filler is not evenly distributed or is placed too far from the lip border, it can affect the overall lip structure and potentially lead to a sagging appearance.

Filler Type and Longevity: The type of filler used and how well it integrates with the lip tissue can impact the outcome. Some fillers may have a more substantial initial volume, which can gradually decrease over time as the filler is absorbed by the body.

Aging and Skin Changes: As you age, the natural elasticity of your skin diminishes, which can affect the appearance of previously injected fillers. This can lead to changes in how the lips look, including a sagging effect if the lips lose their youthful shape over time.

Natural Aging Process: Regardless of filler, the natural aging process affects skin and tissue integrity, which can influence lip appearance. Maintaining a balance with filler and considering follow-up treatments can help mitigate these changes.

I hope this helps and best of luck!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

No your lips will not sag when fillers break down.  Your lips will return to a look similar to what you have prior to your filler treatment. Be sure to see an expert injector for your treatment.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

I’ve not heard of people complaining of lips sagging after using lip fillers.
Most people go back to baseline when the fillers are absorbed.
I have seen the cases where people have persistent volume changes in their lips, especially after poorly done procedures.
I think having long-term changes after lip fillers is not that common, but it has been reported.
Make sure you choose a provider who has the skill and experience to deliver quality work.
This is especially true for those who have small or thin lips.
 Make sure your provider maintains a natural upper to lower lip ratio. I see so much bad lip filler work all around me.
I see way too many people with upper lips bigger than their lower lips which rarely ever happens in normal faces. 
Provider selection is key to getting quality outcomes and having the procedure be comfortable with the least chance of complications or undesirable results.
Finding the right provider is also more difficult than most people realize.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

Will lip fillers make my lips sag?

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Answer: Sagging lips after using fillers

Answer: Sagging lips after using fillers

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Everything you need to know about Lip Fillers

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Will lip fillers make my lips sag?

Answers (4)

Answer: Sagging lips after using fillers

Answer: Sagging lips after using fillers

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Lip Fillers

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.