How much do lip fillers cost? Maintenance, reversal, and 10 questions about lip injections

• Hyaluronic acid lip fillers cost about $650–$700 per syringe
• The number of syringes used is the main factor in determining cost
• Treatments need to be repeated to maintain results
• Hyaluronic acid fillers are considered the safest fillers

Lip fillers are injectable treatments designed to add volume and definition to lips. As a non-surgical lip augmentation, they are very much in demand. Lip filler costs are influenced by a number of factors including the type of filler, the quantity used, provider fees and geographical location.

How Much Are Lip Fillers?

Most modern lip fillers are comparable in price, generally averaging from $650–$700 per 1 mL syringe or vial. If some filler remains in the vial after a treatment session, it can be preserved and used for the next treatment session, provided it is stored properly.

What Determines How Much Lip Fillers Cost?

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

Amount of filler used

The number of vials used is the main determinant of the cost of a treatment session. When treating the lips, most people can achieve satisfactory results with one to two vials.

However, some people may use three vials if they desire a very plump look; others may need the same amount if they have very thin lips. 

Of note is that larger volume injections may be associated with an increased risk of blood vessel occlusion, tissue damage and filler migration.

Types of lip fillers

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

Hyaluronic acid is a natural component found throughout the body that has strong water-binding capabilities. Hyaluronic acid lip fillers have a proven track record of safety and efficacy, and are therefore popular options for lip augmentation. These fillers cost about $650–$700 per syringe.

Collagen was one of the first injectable fillers on the market and in the past, was a popular option. While they are still in use today, safety issues—including allergic reactions and short-lived results—caused a steep decline in its popularity. Collagen dermal fillers cost around $400–$800 per treatment.

Fat transfer is considered a permanent lip filling treatment and produces a natural-looking result. However, this is considered a more invasive procedure and has some risk of complications. The cost of this procedure starts at about $2,500 and can go up to $10,000.

What Is the Best Lip Filler?

Most experts consider hyaluronic acid fillers to be the safest and most effective option for non-surgical lip augmentation. This is the filler that most providers currently offer for lip filling.

These injections are performed as a quick office-based procedure with minimal downtime and immediate results.

Juvederm and Restylane are currently the leading hyaluronic acid-based lip fillers on the market. Their product line is as follows:

• Juvederm Volbella XC is a low-density (thin) formulation that is well suited for volumizing lips and correcting perioral lines (lines that form around the lips)
• Juvederm Ultra XC is a slightly thicker formulation suitable for treating both lip and perioral lines
• Restylane and Restylane-L add volume and definition to lips
• Restylane Silk is specifically designed to produce natural-looking lip filling results

Do all lip fillers migrate?

Theoretically, all injectable dermal fillers can potentially migrate, especially when injections are performed by an inexperienced practitioner. With that being said, migration of hyaluronic acid can be effectively treated with hyaluronidase.

Small-volume and low-pressure injections of fillers over multiple treatment sessions can greatly reduce the risk of migration. This risk can be further minimized by avoiding vigorous physical activity and facial massages following treatment.

Are Lip Fillers Permanent?

No, lip fillers are not permanent treatments. Hyaluronic acid and collagen fillers last an average of six months and may last up to twelve months. 

Because fat transfer lip augmentation lasts for years, it is considered a permanent filler. Lip implants using silicone or other synthetic materials are also permanent. However, 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 between Juvederm and Restylane. Both typically last between six and twelve months.

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

Maintenance costs

To maintain results, most providers recommend repeating the treatment one to two times per year using 1–2 vials of filler at around $650–$700 per vial.

Can Lip Fillers Be Reversed?

Hyaluronic acid fillers are reversible. If you are dissatisfied with your results or experience prolonged swelling, bruising or other complications or side effects, you can have your lip filler treatment reversed. 

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

However, as hyaluronidase is extracted from animal sources, it can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Allergy tests are recommended before receiving an injection, but there are instances where people experience a delayed reaction, which this test can not predict. 

How much does a reversal cost?

Hyaluronidase treatments can cost between $150–$500 depending on how many rounds you need to dissolve the filler as well as the practitioner’s fees and location. 

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 one you feel comfortable with. 

During your initial consultation, it is advisable to ask about their prior experience with this specific treatment and ask to see some before and after pictures. This will provide you with a sense of their aesthetic standards.

Although some spas and beauty salons may offer lip filler injections at relatively lower rates, you should only receive these treatments and other professional procedures from 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 costs. 

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

Cost of Lip Fillers vs. Alternatives

Implants

Lip implants are a permanent lip augmentation method. Compared to injections, some lip implant materials may feel somewhat rigid and less natural to the touch. Additionally, this method is hampered by the invasiveness of the procedure and the risk of issues such as implant migration and local reactions.

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

Botox lip flip

At about $100–$200 per treatment, the Botox lip flip is much less expensive 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. However, results are short-lived and inconsistent across different products. Lip plumpers range from $15–$80.

A word about DIY lip fillers

Saving money by purchasing dermal fillers online for self-injection or having a nonprofessional inject them may seem appealing, but this practice 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 a nonsurgical method to effectively plump and define the lips. 

Hyaluronic acid is currently the most widely used filler as it has an excellent safety record and provides pleasing results. Juvederm and Restylane are the most popular hyaluronic acid-based fillers.

Costs will vary depending on several factors, notably the quantity of filler used and provider’s fees but typically, a session will cost an average of $700–$1,400.

Hyaluronic acid filler treatments are temporary and need to be repeated regularly to maintain results; they are also reversible should you be dissatisfied with the outcome. Hyaluronic acid fillers last an average of six months, but can last up to twelve months.

When considering your options regarding filler injections, it is important to choose an experienced professional who is skilled in this specific procedure.