How Long Do Lip Fillers Last?

Thanks to the influences of celebrities like the Kardashians, cosmetic lip injections are a widely-popular option for getting fuller, plumper, and sexier lips without going through surgery or having to endure significant downtime. Non-surgical and minimally invasive cosmetic procedures continue to be on the rise with over 2.6 million soft tissue filler treatments performed in the U.S, according to a 2018 report released by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

One of the most frequently asked questions about this popular treatment is how long lip fillers last? Lip fillers are not forever, but they are incredibly effective, especially when done by a professional cosmetic surgeon.

In this ultimate lip filler guide, we cover everything you need to know about the latest lip injection treatments available, their risks and benefits, and how long they typically last.

Continue reading to learn more!

Collagen Lip Fillers

Collagen once dominated the market for cosmetic lip injections. They’re now less commonly used, favouring hyaluronic acid lip fillers, which are deemed safer and more effective. Collagen is a natural protein in the body that gives the skin elasticity and suppleness associated with youth. Collagen-based lip fillers do not offer an instant plumping effect. Instead, it only boosts the skin’s collagen levels, which often takes time.

Types of Collagen-Based Lip Fillers

• Bellafill – Formerly known as Artefill, Bellafill is a collagen filler produced by combining bovine collagen and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) beads. This synthetic, biocompatible substance has been used in medicine for the last century. Based on the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, it’s the first dermal filler approved by the U.S. FDA to treat smile lines and depressed acne scars. Bellafill is not officially approved for lip augmentation, although it is sometimes used off-label for lips and cheek enhancements. It claims to last an average of five years.
• Sculptra – Sculptra is a collagen stimulator with poly-L-lactic acid as its main ingredient, which is a biocompatible and biodegradable synthetic substance typically used in medical supplies like dissolvable stitches. Sculptra’s claim to fame is its ability to diminish the signs of aging, such as deep fine lines and wrinkles and work within your body to promote collagen production, restoring your skin’s inner fullness and structure. This collagen-based dermal filler can also be used for lip augmentation. While Sculptra cannot offer immediate volumizing effects, it has long-lasting results that can be seen for up to two to three years.

Hyaluronic Acid Lip Fillers

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring sugar found in the body. It is an essential component in the skin’s ability to hold water to maintain a plump, hydrated, and youthful complexion. Hyaluronic acid-based lip fillers introduce shape, structure, and volume when injected into the lips by filling up the mouth’s contours.

The beauty of hyaluronic acid is that doctors have full control over the product, allowing them to gradually inject small doses and achieve subtle and natural-looking results. If there are any bumps or lumps due to lip movement during treatment, these types of lip fillers can be effortlessly smoothed out and dissolved during the procedure.

Apart from the instant gratification of its results, HA-based lip fillers also encourage the skin’s natural collagen production, delivering more aesthetically-pleasing enhancements as the product settles into the skin.

Because hyaluronic acid is an all-natural ingredient, HA-based lip fillers are deemed safer and have a relatively low risk for allergic reactions or side effects than other collagen-based products. Some also contain lidocaine, a local anesthetic, which guarantees a comfortable treatment experience. HA-based lip fillers also have less downtime because they are not prone to swelling or bruising, unlike other lip fillers.

Types of HA-Based Lip Fillers

• Restylane Silk – This HA-based lip filler was first approved by the FDA specifically for lip augmentation. It promises silkier, fuller, and natural-looking lips by adding volume and smoothing out the lines and creases around the mouth.
• JUVÉDERM® VOLBELLA™ XC – This crystal clear gel-based filler was specially formulated to correct perioral lines or the linear creases around the mouth’s borders, otherwise called lipstick lines. It also enhances the lips with its volumizing benefits, improving the shape and emphasizing natural contours. Juvederm lip fillers can last for one year.
• Teosyal – Teosyal is a wide range of injectable dermal fillers designed to address various beauty and aging concerns, including frown or scowl lines, under-eye circles, crow’s feet, cheekbone contouring, depression in the chin, fleshy jowls and loss of definition. As an HA-based lip filler, Teosyal effectively restores and accentuates the lips’ natural curves and contours. It can last up to one year as a lip filler.

How Long Do Hyaluronic Acid Lip Fillers Last?

The impressive results of HA-based lip fillers are temporary, ranging anywhere between six to 12 months. How fast lip fillers are dissolved depends on your body’s unique metabolic process. Your doctor may recommend that you come back every year to maintain your voluptuous pout.

Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) Lip Fillers

Calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) is a naturally occurring substance that is abundantly present in our bones. CaHA-based soft tissue fillers are suspended in a gel and have a richer consistency than hyaluronic acid fillers. FDA-approved CaHA fillers include Radiesse®, typically used to fill and enhance moderate-to-severe creases like nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and frown lines.

The best thing about Radiesse® dermal filler injections is that they provide immediate effects in terms of volume loss restoration and will continuously provide exciting aesthetic results as it settles by increasing the supply and production of collagen in the body. Eventually, the product gets dissolved and metabolized in the body, leaving behind the newly produced collagen and its beautiful plumping benefits.

There are contrasting opinions on whether Radiesse® makes an excellent filler choice for lip augmentation. We recommend that you consult with a highly-qualified cosmetic surgeon for personalized medical advice before seeking treatment.

What Can You Do to Make Your Lip Fillers Last Longer?

Dermal fillers tend to dissolve faster when injected on the lips than other treatment areas, mainly because our lips are constantly moving whenever we talk, eat, or drink. Fillers in the tear trough, for instance, can last as long as five years.

Nevertheless, there are several steps that you can take to help maintain the results of your lip fillers.

• Follow your doctor’s after-care tips exactly as prescribed.
  Despite the promise of minimal downtime, it’s necessary to avoid all forms of strenuous activities for at least 24 to 48 hours after your lip filler procedure. Elevating your blood pressure and heart rate can increase your risk of bruising and swelling aside from the possibility of disturbing the filler in your skin.
• Use lipstick or lip balm with SPF.
  The skin is vulnerable to sun damage caused by unprotected exposure to harmful ultraviolet light. This is especially true for areas around the face, which tends to have thinner and more delicate skin. Constant exposure to the sun leads the fillers to dissolve more quickly. Wear lip products with ample SPF or wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect yourself from the harsh rays of the sun.
• Avoid too much stress.
  Excessive stress can have numerous adverse effects on your health. It’s also the primary culprit to speeding up the skin’s natural aging process, worsening the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Stress can even sabotage your beautiful pout by producing hormones that can break down the filler at record speed.
• Come in for regular touch-ups.
  One of the best ways to prolong the life of your lip fillers is to come in for regular follow-up treatments recommended by your doctor; these can be anywhere from 12 to 18 months after your last procedure. This involves injecting minute doses to maintain the results and prevent changes in your appearance.
• Ask your doctor about his best recommendations for long-lasting lip fillers.
  Generally, how long fillers last depend on the brand and type of filler used. Ask your doctor about other treatment options available if you feel you are absorbing the product too quickly.

Get Your Lip Fillers at McLean Clinic

Dr. Hugh McLean is a board-certified plastic surgeon with decades of experience in aesthetic medical treatments with his private practice located in Mississauga, Ontario. Contact us to learn more about cosmetic injectables, lip augmentation treatments, or if you have any questions regarding how long lip fillers last. A friendly member of our team will get back to you shortly.

Book your free consultation today!