Full, plump lips are definitely in vogue right now, championed by everyone from Angelina Jolie to Kylie Jenner. Most celebs achieve that classic look through temporary fillers. If you've been curious about boosting your own smile, you may be wondering - just how long do lip fillers last?
The truth is that it's not the same for everyone - it depends on your metabolism and the type of augmentation you get. So, let's talk about how long fillers last, what impacts their longevity, and some other commonly asked questions.
Lip augmentation procedures are minimally invasive, quick, and produce immediate results. They're one of the most popular cosmetic procedures out there these days - especially for people looking to achieve the perfect pout.
Let's start by going over the general process. There are four stages:
The length of that final stage depends on the type of procedure you've had. Let's talk about that next.
Injection fillers last about 6 months to a year at most. We use Juvederm and Restylane, which are great for quickly restoring volume for as long as possible.
We do these injections in just a few minutes right here in the office. They're made of synthetically-derived hyaluronic acid (just like the stuff in your favorite day serum!), which attracts moisture to keep things looking full and pillowy.
Your body naturally metabolizes the hyaluronic acid we use. That means injection fillers will fade slowly over time, usually after no longer than a year for most people. You'll need to have regular appointments to maintain your new pout.
Surgical fillers can last a lifetime. Our surgical lip augmentation procedures are minimally invasive and have a relatively easy recovery period. Surgery is more intensive than injections, but when performed by a skilled facial plastic surgeon, it will add natural-looking plumpness to last your entire life.
A surgical lip augmentation is great if you've had injections before and you're ready for a permanent change. It can be accomplished using your own fat or by surgically repositioning the margin of the lip. Your surgeon will go over what kind is best for you depending on the results you want to see.
After getting fillers, it's normal for your lips to be swollen, tender, and even a little bruised. Letting them heal and treating them well is key to keeping them looking their best for as long as possible. Here are some tips to help them recover:
After an injection, you'll feel normal after a day or two. If you've had surgical augmentation, it can take up to three months for normal sensation to return. Your facial plastic surgeon will fully advise you on the recovery phase.
After your injections have healed, you're welcome to return to normal life! You can sip, talk, kiss, laugh, and use your lips how you always do. Do be careful with the facial massages - too much stimulation in that area can speed up the breakdown of the hyaluronic acid.
Right away! You'll be able to see your lips plumping within minutes of an injection or right after surgery.
Since swelling is most prominent in the days after an injection, your lips might look "over-plumped" at first. This will go down quickly and you'll be able to see the final result about a week to a month afterward.
Nope! You don't need to worry about dealing with a "deflated" look as the hyaluronic acid fades.
The skin on your mouth and lips will return to their normal appearance without any sagging or stretching. This change will happen slowly - you won't wake up one morning to find you've suddenly lost volume. As the filler fades, your lips may appear to look somewhat aged as the normal aging process persists.
Unfortunately, it's not possible to make injection lip fillings last longer once you've received them. Your body will naturally metabolize the hyaluronic acid and your lips will slowly return to their natural shape and size over time.
Everyone's body is different, so everyone will metabolize injections differently. It's impossible to know how quickly your body will respond (unless you've had injections before). Some find their lips are back to normal after only a few months - while others don't need another injection for more than a full year. The only guarantee for permanent plumpness is with surgical augmentation.
Perhaps you've decided you don't like the look of your new lips and you want them to return to normal. If you've had injections, we can inject a naturally-occurring eraser enzyme to reverse the procedure. If you've had surgery, the only way to reverse the results is to undergo another surgery.
Of course, before seeking out a reversal, you should always wait for your lips to heal. If your lips look too large right after your appointment, you may just need to wait for extra swelling to go down.
Your plastic surgeon can advise you on the best option if you're not satisfied with your results.
At Farrior Facial Plastic Surgery, we believe all clients should be able to make informed decisions about cosmetic procedures. If you have more questions about getting or maintaining lip fillers, we encourage you to reach out to us! You can also schedule a consultation to learn more about which procedure is right for you.
Dr. Farrior is so much more than a doctor – he’s an artist. Dr. Farrior has the right medical knowledge and the artistic vision needed to create harmony among his patients’ facial features. He truly listens to his patients and is always open to their concerns.
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