What is the Minimum Age to Receive Fillers for Lip Augmentation?

There is no minimum age for lip injection.  The FDA suggestion is just that - a suggestion.  The decision rests with the parents (if you are under 18) and the physician injector.  The patient needs to be mature enough to understand the risks.  Having said that, if a physician injector thinks you are a candidate then there is no problem.  Juvederm or Restylane are excellent options for enhancing the lips and their safety is well documented.

 Anyone over 18 can opt for a lip filler such as Restylane or Juvederm. Patients younger than 18 would require parental consent. The hyalronic-acid based fillers are not “noninvasive,” however: You will be receiving injections of the filler into your skin. Please see a board-certified dermatologist who has expertise in lip augmentation to get the best results.

 Lip augmentation with a HA filler is safe, reversible, and can enhance the appearance of the smile and face.  If a patient has a reasonable expectations, appropriated motives, and understands the risks then the minimum age can be as low as a teenager.  

 

Patients commonly undergo a nose job or rhinoplasty at age 15 or 16 if they are an appropriate candidate.   I do not see why a patient of similar age could not get a reversible filler in their lip at the same age.

 

I hope this helps.  

  I think you have already received wonderful answers.  I think most good and conscientious physicians would be concerned about injecting someone less than 18, but I think you need not be concerned about being 20 instead of the FDA approved age of 21 to receive Restylane.

Thank you for the question.  Lip filler is approved in the United States in patients over 21 years old.  This is because in the study performed for FDA approval, the affect of filler in patients under the age of 21 was not not studied.  Injection of filler in patients under 21 is thus considered off-label.  There are  reasons that some patients under the age of 21 might benefit from lip filler injection.  Aside from cosmetic enhancement, these may include lip asymmetry and lip deformities.  Care should be taken in evaluating patients under the age of 21 to ensure they are aware of and understand the short and long term risks of lip filler.  Patients under the age of 18 require parental consent, but the patient's themselves must be mature enough to understand the risks.  In my opinion, unless a very young patient has come to you with their parents to correct a deformity or asymmetry that is causing them emotional distress, extreme caution should be exercised.  As long as you are presenting with a reasonable request for lip filler, your board certified Plastic Surgeon injector can help you make the right decision for you. Hope this helps

The FDA approved Restylane for use in patients 21 years of age or older. Injection in younger patients would be considered an off label use.  Some physicians adhere to the guidelines more stringently than others.  I would recommend that you see at least two dermatologists/plastic surgeons in consultation to determine whether this treatment is right for you.

Restylane and Juvederm are very safe for lip augmentation if you are old enough to give an informed consent.  These are my favorite products because of the long lasting results that can be achieved and the safety record of these two products.

While lip fillers are very safe and effective, I wouldn't call them non-invasive.  You are having a foreign substance injected into the skin.  As long as you are aware of the possible complications and the potential for swelling and bruising, you should be pleased.  I have injected women in their early 20's and they have done well.  

While I have probably not placed filler in an individual in their very early 20's, I do not see why there would be a problem?

You are correct in that the FDA approved Restylane for lip augmentation in patients 21 years or older.  That being said, if an expert, experienced injector feels you are a candidate for lip augmentation and that you appreciate and understand the risks and benefits of the procedure, it may be possible for you to have your lips treated.  I recommend you consult with a board-certified dermatologist or facial plastic surgeon experienced in injectable fillers.