Is there a reason my lip injections don't seem to stay as long as they should?

Question

Ive gotten both Juvederm and Restylane injections before and both tend to make my lips look plumper but only for a month or so. Could it be that my body is rejecting the injections?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Most people think the filler doesn't last as long because the lips get very swollen after injection.  If you truly feel the results are not long lasting and you have compared before and after photos, then I would consider other options such as fat or a lip implant (although I tend to not like how implants look).  Please ensure you are going to a filler expert.  Other fillers such as Perlane and Voluma, although typically used in the middle face, work very well in the lip in patients like you whom Restylane and Juvederm Ultra/Ultra plus just didn't seem to last. You will get more "plump" from these , but they need to be strategically placed for good results.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Michael A. Zadeh, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi Melody. I don't think your body is rejecting the injections. The most likely reason that people think their lip injections don't last is that they did not get enough product placed to begin with. The lips can significantly swell after injections. Some people actually like the way this looks and think its because of the filler. Then, when the swelling goes down they think that the filler dissolved and their lips went back to normal. The desired results of lip injections often cannot be achieved in one session because of this reason. You should return to see your injector now that the swelling has gone down to determine if you need more product to get the result that you want. I don't know how much you got placed during your initial treatment, but sometimes up to a full syringe can be required to give you nice full lips. Hope this helps!

Sirius K. Yoo, MD · Answer

It is likely that you experience swelling initially from the trauma of the injections that resolves over a few weeks.  It is unlikely that the Juvederm or Restylane is actually gone after 1 month.  Typically, these products last about 8 months in the lips (longer in other places).  I would suggest you try a blunt tip cannula technique so you get less swelling initially or use more filler if you like the look that you experience initially after the injections.

David Marcus, MD (retired) · Answer

Ugh.  Expensive for a month of lip fullness.  I don't think you can call it rejection.  Fillers do vary in their longevity not only form person to person, but from site to site.  Lips are one of those areas where the longevity seems to be less.  I have always believed it is related to the constant movement.  Then again, permanent options are not that appealing either yet.  Well performed fat injections are probably the best method today.

Is there a reason my lip injections don't seem to stay as long as they should?

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