How Long Do Lip Fillers Last? Best Brands, Tips and Other Questions About Fillers

• Lip fillers are temporary treatments that last for several months
• These fillers effectively plump and define lips, and provide a youthful appearance
• Repeat treatments are required to maintain results
• A healthy lifestyle can contribute toward longer-lasting results

Lip fillers are minimally invasive injectable cosmetic treatments that add volume and definition to thin lips, and address lip lines and wrinkles for a rejuvenated look. Unlike surgical augmentation, lip fillers are temporary with effects fading away after several months. That said, there are some factors that can affect how long lip fillers last.

How Long Do Lip Fillers Last?

Lip fillers typically last between six and nine months, depending on the type of filler used and individual factors. Hyaluronic acid (HA) injectable lip fillers are the most commonly used and can last between six to nine months, and in some cases, up to twelve months. 

Collagen fillers, on the other hand, last approximately three months before the body degrades the material.

Which Lip Fillers Last the Longest?

Hyaluronic acid (HA) injectable lip fillers are the industry standard for longevity, effectiveness, and safety. Among the leading HA-based filler brands approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Juvederm and Restylane are known for their comparable longevity. Juvederm is considered the longest-lasting temporary lip filler, with results visible for up to a year, while Restylane typically lasts between 6-10 months.

Does Longer-Lasting Mean Better?

Long-lasting results do not necessarily mean better outcomes. Longevity is not the only factor in choosing a lip filler; texture, natural look, and safety must also be considered. For example, polyalkylimide is a biocompatible material that may be used as a dermal filler and is considered semi-permanent. However, its unpredictable degradation process makes it a poor choice as a lip filler.

The cost of lip injections depends on several factors, including the type of filler used, the amount of filler needed, and the fees charged by the practitioner and facility. Most dermal fillers are available in vials or syringes of 1 mL each.

How Much Do Lip Injections Cost?

Hyaluronic Acid Fillers

Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers, such as Juvederm and Restylane, are the most common lip fillers. You can expect to pay about $650–$700 per syringe of Juvederm or Restylane. Most people require 1–2 vials of HA filler to achieve optimal lip filling results.

Collagen Fillers

Collagen fillers are less common lip filler options and typically cost about $400–$800 per treatment. However, they tend to last for a shorter duration compared to HA fillers.

Please note that these are general estimates, and the actual cost of lip injections may vary depending on your location and the specific practitioner you choose. It’s essential to consult with a reputable and experienced practitioner to discuss your aesthetic goals and obtain a personalized cost estimate.

Preparing for a Lip Injection Procedure: Key Steps

To ensure a successful outcome from a lip injection procedure, it is crucial to take the following steps:

1. Choose the right provider: Select a qualified, board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist whose sense of aesthetics aligns with yours. Ask if they can share before and after pictures of their previous patients who had lip injection procedures.
2. Discuss medical conditions and medications: Inform your physician about any medical conditions or medications you are taking, including over-the-counter products such as aspirin or ibuprofen, which are blood thinners and may increase the risk of bleeding.
3. Avoid vigorous exercise: Refrain from engaging in vigorous exercise for 48 hours before the procedure.
4. Stay hydrated: Maintain hydration and drink plenty of water before the procedure to achieve the best results and support the healing process.

After the procedure, avoid direct sun exposure for 48 hours and refrain from touching or massaging your lips.

Post-Lip Injection Precautions: What to Avoid

After receiving lip filler injections, it is essential to follow certain precautions to ensure optimal results and minimize potential complications. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

1. Avoid massaging the treated area: Massaging the lips after injections may contribute to filler migration, so it is best to avoid this practice.
2. Use ice packs or cold compresses: Applying ice packs or cold compresses can help reduce swelling and discomfort after the procedure.
3. Limit sun exposure: Excessive sun exposure should be avoided, and sunscreen should be applied when outdoors. Sun exposure can cause cold sores in and around the injection sites4.
4. Be cautious with exercise: While moderate physical exercise can contribute to healthier skin in the long term, excessive exercise—particularly in the immediate post-treatment period—can speed up the rate of filler breakdown.

By adhering to these precautions and following your practitioner’s aftercare instructions, you can help ensure the best possible results from your lip filler treatment.

How Often Should You Get Lip Fillers?

To maintain a consistent appearance, it is generally recommended to have repeat lip filler treatments before the results of the previous treatment have completely worn off. 

For example, if your results are expected to wear off after nine months, you could consider repeating the treatment after seven to eight months to maintain your desired look.

There are no strict rules on how many repeat lip filler treatments you can receive. In the short term, most common side effects are mild and self-limited. More serious complications, such as infections and tissue damage, are rare. The frequency of lip injections may vary depending on factors like the type of filler used, your body’s metabolism, and how well you maintain your overall health.

Some sources suggest 2-4 sessions per year to keep your lips full and soft, while others recommend treatments every 6-12 months, depending on the specific filler used and individual factors

Takeaway

Hyaluronic acid lip fillers are widely used to plump and define thin lips, and reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles in the lip area. Unlike collagen fillers, these rarely cause allergic reactions as hyaluronic acid is naturally present throughout the body.

Juvederm and Restylane are the most popular hyaluronic acid-based filler brands and usually last between six and nine months before being completely absorbed by the body.

To maintain results, repeat treatments are required. Adopting healthy habits such as staying hydrated, engaging in moderate exercise, and maintaining good skin hygiene can help keep your skin healthier and make your results last longer.

FAQs

Do Lip Fillers Last Longer During the Initial Procedure?

No, the duration of lip fillers is not affected by whether it is the first or a subsequent treatment. The filler material is absorbed by the body at a consistent rate, regardless of the number of procedures undergone.

Do Lip Fillers Last Longer for Some Individuals?

Although there is no definitive study to confirm this, it is possible that lip fillers may last longer for some people due to differences in how quickly their bodies metabolize and degrade hyaluronic acid fillers. However, more research is needed to confirm this theory.

Do Lip Fillers Permanently Alter Lip Shape?

No, lip fillers do not permanently change the shape of your lips. Hyaluronic acid, the primary component in most lip fillers, is completely biodegradable, meaning the body gradually absorbs the injected volume, leaving no residual effects.

If you are dissatisfied with the results of your lip filler procedure, you can opt for hyaluronidase injections to reverse the effects. Hyaluronidase is an enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid, effectively removing the filler.

How Can You Make Lip Fillers Last Longer?

Several lifestyle factors can influence the longevity of lip fillers in some individuals. In general, these factors correlate with overall health, as results tend to last longer in people who maintain a healthier lifestyle. Some factors that can help prolong the effects of lip fillers include:

1. Hydration: Hyaluronic acid fillers work by binding to water, so maintaining good hydration can help support the effects of the filler.
2. Physical activity: Maintaining a moderate level of physical activity contributes to better overall skin health and longer-lasting results. However, excessive exercise can result in faster absorption of the filler.
3. Skin care: People who maintain good skin hygiene tend to have healthier skin. Clean and moisturized skin can contribute to longer-lasting results.
4. Stress management: Higher levels of stress can impact healthy skin and, as a consequence, result in a shorter duration of filler effects.

By adopting a healthy lifestyle and following your practitioner’s aftercare instructions, you can optimize the longevity and appearance of your lip fillers.