Lip Filler FAQs

Lip Filler - Frequently Asked Questions

• 01.What are Lip Fillers?

  Lip fillers are dermal fillers made up of a gel-like substance called hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is naturally occurring in our bodies to plump, hydrate and give firmness and support to our skin. These FDA-approved fillers help hydrate fine lines on and around the lips, create volume to augment the lip, as well as correct asymmetry of the lip shape, border, and height of the upper and lower lip.

• 02.Is there Any Downtime After Treatment?

  Lip filler treatment requires some social downtime although differs for every patient. Common side effects include pinpoint or injection-site bruising on or around the lip area as well as swelling for 48-72 hours post-injection that can last up to 5-7 days.  The filler fully integrates into the lips and heals within 2 weeks of treatment.

• 03.How Long Does Lip Fillers Last?

  Based on your metabolism, medical history, and lifestyle, lip filler can last anywhere from 6-12 months.  Most lip fillers are FDA approved to last about 1 year but many patients feel they need maintenance treatments before then.  This also varies based on individual lip goals and how many sittings one does initially to achieve their desired lip goal.

• 04.How Long Will Swelling Last After Treatment?

  Swelling happens immediately after lip injections and can persist for 48-72 hours.  Some patients who are sensitive or have increased swelling responses can experience swelling that lasts up to 5-7 days with final results of filler integration into the lips 2 weeks from the initial lip filler appointment.  Every patient’s response to filler is unique.  Antihistamines and other post-care supplements like Arnica can help reduce the temporary swelling that occurs.

• 05.Will My Lips Look Unnatural or Overdone?

  It is important to trust your aesthetic provider and receive treatment at a medical facility where you know they will injection your lips safely, with the proper filler type and amount using the safest techniques while placing the filler in the correct location.  By receiving treatment from one of our highly trained medical aesthetic specialists, that are credentialed, licensed, and medical experts in facial anatomy, there should be no concern regarding safety or looking “overdone”.  At the Rejuva Center, we always have a consultation prior to your lip filler treatment where you and your provider discuss and assess your lips, treatment process, realistic results and customize a treatment plan that will look the most natural and satisfy your specific lip enhancement goals prior to the procedure.

• 06.Does Lip Filler Treatment Hurt?

  Based on patient’s pain tolerance, there may be minor discomfort during the lip filler procedure.  At The Rejuva Center, we have medical-grade topical numbing cream that is applied to lips for about 15 minutes prior to treatments.  There is also an aesthetic numbing solution (Lidocaine) in the filler syringes that make the procedure more comfortable during treatment.

• 07.How Long Before I See Results?

  After your lip filler treatment, you can see improvement in your lip shape, hydration, and volume directly after injections although side effects like swelling and bruising can likely occur.  Due to the swelling that can occur, they will not look fully settled until about 2 weeks after your treatment.  We recommend patients to return for a follow-up visit to assess how the lips healed 2-3 weeks after the treatment to assess for additional sessions.

• 08.How Much Lip Filler Will I Need?

  • Treatment is customized to your aesthetic goals and needs.
  • It depends on the severity of the lip lines, shape, or asymmetries of your lips.
  • The amount of previous lip filler syringes or how recently you were last treated with lip filler.
  • Your medical history and certain medical conditions or lifestyle can also play a role in how much dermal filler is recommended for your lips.

• 09.Can I Smoke or Drink After Lip Fillers?

  It is advised to avoid smoking or drinking alcohol 24 hours after your lip filler treatment.

  • Alcohol acts as a blood thinner and can lead to bruising and swelling of your lips following injections.
  • Smoking can increase your chances of infections and can cause pain and discomfort at the injection site.

• 10.Can I Get Lip Filler While Pregnant?

  No, dermal fillers are not recommended, or FDA-cleared for women who are pregnant. No research or studies have been done on pregnant or breastfeeding women to confirm if fillers are safe for the mother or baby. It is recommended that you speak to your OBGYN and healthcare professionals before receiving any cosmetic or aesthetic treatments when pregnant.

• 11.Can I Exercise After Lip Filler Injections?

  After treatment, you should avoid exercise or strenuous activity for 24-48 hours post lip injections. This physical activity could increase the risk of swelling and bruising.

• 12.What are Common Lip Filler Side Effects?

  Common lip filler side effects include slight discomfort, soreness, bruising, and swelling of the lips. These side effects subside in 2-3 days. Other side effects that are less common include lumps, local infection, and cold sores near the injection site of the lips. You should contact your provider if more severe side effects occur.

• 13.What Age Should You Start Getting Botox®?

  • Avoid taking aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin, Nuprin, Aleve, Celebrex, and fish oil and other blood thinning medications and supplements.
  • Avoid alcoholic beverages for 24 hours prior to the procedure, as this can increase the risk of bleeding and bruising when you are being treated.

• 14.What Should I Avoid After Treatment?

  • Rubbing, pressing or massaging your lips.
  • Strenuous exercise for at least 24 hours
  • Drinking alcohol or smoking for at least 24 hours.
  • All blood thinning medications for at least 24 hours.

• 15.What Age is Appropriate to Receive Lip Fillers?

  There is no minimum age requirement to receive lip fillers. If under the age of 18, a parent or legal guardian must accompany the patient to sign consent forms and agree to the minor’s lip procedure.  Due to the patient’s genetics, anatomy, volume loss or asymmetry, lip filler treatment depends on the individual; however, the FDA clinical trials study patients at least 21 years of age to start receiving lip injections by the FDA.