How Much Do Lip Fillers Cost? Maintenance, Reversal and Questions About Lip Injections

• Hyaluronic acid lip fillers cost around $650-700 per syringe.
• The number of syringes used is the main factor in determining the cost.
• Treatments need to be repeated to maintain results.
• Insurance does not usually cover lip filler injections.

Lip fillers are a popular option for nonsurgical lip augmentation. The cost of treatments is affected by a number of factors including the type of filler, the amount used, and geographical location.

How Much Are Lip Fillers?

Most modern lip fillers are comparable in price, generally averaging about $650 to $700 per 1 cc (1 mL) syringe or vial. If some filler remains in the vial after a treatment session, it may be preserved and used again for the next treatment session–provided that it is stored safely.

What Determines How Much Lip Fillers Cost?

A number of factors can influence the final cost of a lip filler treatment session. These can include geographical location, provider experience, and facility costs.

Amount of filler used

The number of vials of filler used is the main determinant of the cost of a treatment session. For lip filling, most people can achieve satisfactory results with one to two vials of 1 cc. 

Some people may want to go up to three vials for a very plump look. Larger volume injections may be associated with an increased risk of blood vessel occlusion, tissue damage, and filler migration.

Type of lip filler

Many materials have been tested as lip fillers with varying degrees of success. These include:

• Hyaluronic acid (HA) is considered the safest option for lip filling. It produces good results that last for up to twelve months. HA costs around $650-700 per syringe.
• Collagen used to be a popular option. Safety issues, including allergic reactions, and short-lived results resulted in a steep decline in the popularity of collagen fillers. Collagen dermal fillers cost around $400-800 per treatment.
• Fat transfer is a more permanent option for lip filling. However, this is a more invasive and less predictable procedure. The cost of this procedure starts at around $2,500 and can go up to $10,000.

What is the best lip filler?

Most experts consider hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers to be the safest and most effective option for nonsurgical lip augmentation. This is the standard option that most providers currently offer for lip filling.

HA injection is a quick office-based procedure with minimal downtime and quick results.

Juvederm and Restylane are the leading hyaluronic acid-based lip fillers on the market currently. Their product lines include:

• Juvederm Volbella XC: a low-density (thin) formulation that is well suited for volumizing smile lines around the lips.
• Juvederm Ultra XC: a slightly thicker formulation that is suitable for both lip and smile line injections.
• Restylane and Restylane-L: designed for injection into the cheek, midface, and around the eyes. They can be used for adding volume to lips.
• Restylane Silk: specifically designed to produce natural-looking lip filling results.

Do all lip fillers migrate?

While all injectable dermal fillers can theoretically migrate, hyaluronic acid fillers, when injected properly, carry a minimal risk of migration. 

Small-volume and low-pressure injections of fillers over multiple treatment sessions can greatly reduce the chances of migration. The risk can be further minimized with avoidance of rigorous physical activity and facial massages following the treatment.

Are lip fillers permanent?

Lip fillers are not permanent treatments. Hyaluronic acid fillers last an average of around six months and may last up to twelve months. For comparison, collagen fillers last for only about three months. 

Fat transfer lip augmentation lasts years and lip implants using silicone or other synthetic materials are permanent. The invasiveness and relatively inconsistent results with these methods make them a less popular option.

Which lip fillers last the longest?

There are no significant differences in the longevity of the hyaluronic acid fillers Juvederm and Restylane. Both usually last between six and twelve months. 

Factors like the amount of filler, injection technique, and individual differences in metabolism rates are believed to play a bigger role in lip filler longevity than the type of filler used.

Maintenance costs

To maintain the same results, most providers recommend repeating the treatment one to two times per year using one to two vials of filler at around $650-700 per vial.

Can Lip Fillers be reversed?

Yes, hyaluronic acid fillers are reversible. If you are unsatisfied with the results or experience prolonged swelling, bruising, or other complications or side effects, you may wish to consider having your lip filler treatment reversed.

Hyaluronidase is an enzyme that can degrade and dissolve hyaluronic acid, making it a perfect reversal agent. Hyaluronidase takes 48 hours to two weeks to produce its final results.

Hyaluronidase is extracted from animal sources and may cause an allergic reaction in some people. An allergy test may be necessary before receiving hyaluronidase injections.

How much does a reversal cost?

Hyaluronidase treatment can cost anywhere between $150 and $500 depending on the type of filler and the amount injected. Hyaluronidase injections may result in over- or under-correction of the filler, in which case you may need to get additional treatments.

How do I select a lip filler provider?

It is important to select a dermatologist, plastic surgeon, or cosmetic provider who is board certified and that you feel comfortable with. 

During your initial consultation, you may wish to ask about their prior experience with this treatment and if they can share any before & after pictures for you to get a sense of their aesthetic standards.

Although some spas and beauty salons may offer lip filler injections at relatively smaller costs, you should only get lip filler injections and other treatments at a doctor’s office. These procedures should only be performed by a physician trained in cosmetic medicine to achieve satisfactory results in a safe manner.

Does Insurance Cover the Cost of Lip Fillers?

As a general rule, insurance does not typically cover cosmetic treatments. However, many providers offer financing plans to help with treatment costs. 

Providers located outside of major metro areas are often able to offer cosmetic treatments at a more affordable price point. If you live in a high cost of living area, you may wish to look into this.

Cost of Lip Fillers vs. Alternatives

Implants

Lip implants are the only truly permanent lip augmentation method. Some lip implant materials may feel somewhat rigid and less natural to the touch. Additionally, they are hampered by the invasiveness of the procedure and the risk of problems such as implant migration and local reactions.

The cost of lip implants ranges from $1,500 to $5,000 with an average of about $2,500.

Botox lip flip

At about $100-200 per treatment, the Botox lip flip is significantly cheaper than other options. In this procedure, a small amount of Botox is injected into the upper lip, relaxing the muscles and making the lip appear fuller. Results last two to four months.

Lip plumpers

Some lip plumping products may contain hydrophilic substances that absorb water, making your lips appear fuller. Results are short-lived and inconsistent across different products. Lip plumpers range from $15 to $80.

A word about DIY lip fillers

Saving money by purchasing dermal fillers for self-injection or having someone inject you may seem appealing but it can be very dangerous. Self-injections significantly increase the risks of complications that range from poor aesthetic outcome to infections and necrosis (tissue death).

Takeaway

Dermal fillers are an effective method of nonsurgical lip augmentation. A hyaluronic acid filler treatment session costs $700-1,400 on average. Hyaluronic acid filler treatments are reversible; they are also temporary and need to be repeated regularly to maintain results.