In short: A lip filler is an injection, most often of hyaluronic acid (a substance found naturally in the body that holds water), to give the lips volume and shape. The procedure usually takes 15–30 minutes; the effect lasts on average 6–9 months, and up to 12 months with some products. The sources generally give a range of 1–2 ml, and overfilling in a single session is avoided. Swelling and bruising mostly settle within 7–10 days. Sudden severe pain and whitening of the skin need urgent assessment.
This page is about the lips of the face. For loss of volume in the genital area, see the outer lip augmentation page; for other areas of the face, see the dermal fillers page.
Which substance is used for lip fillers?
The substance most often chosen for the lips is hyaluronic acid. It can be dissolved with an enzyme if needed, and this is the property that makes it stand out for the lips.
Applying substances that stimulate collagen production, such as calcium hydroxylapatite and polycaprolactone, to the lips is not recommended.
What is the drawback of a permanent lip filler?
Permanent filler substances such as silicone can cause a foreign-body reaction in the tissue, hard scar tissue and granuloma (a firm lump that forms within the tissue). If the result is not liked or there is asymmetry, reversing it often requires surgery.
How is the procedure done and how long does it take?
- Duration: usually 15–30 minutes, including preparation.
- Numbing: because the lips are a sensitive area, a numbing cream or ice is applied before the procedure, or a local anaesthetic is preferred.
- Application: it is done in sterile conditions with a fine needle or a flexible blunt-tipped cannula (a thin tube).
How many cc are used for a lip filler? Is 1 cc too much?
For adding volume to the lips, the sources generally give a range of 1–2 ml (cc). So 1 cc is within this range. The right amount varies with the structure of the person's lips. It is advised to avoid overfilling in a single session and, if necessary, to proceed in stages.
How long does a lip filler last?
Hyaluronic acid stays in the lips for an average of 6–9 months, and up to 12 months with some products. Because the lips are constantly moving, this period varies from person to person.
What should be considered before the procedure?
- Risk of bruising: products that can increase bleeding, such as aspirin, painkillers (the NSAID group), vitamin E, ginkgo and green tea, are stopped 7–10 days before the procedure. Do not stop a blood thinner prescribed for you on your own; tell your doctor.
- Alcohol: stopped 2 days before the procedure.
- History of cold sores: if you have had cold sores before, say so; a preventive medicine may be needed before the procedure.
What should be watched for after a lip filler?
- First 24 hours: no water on the area, no make-up and no touching the lips.
- First 3 days: sauna, steam baths, hot baths, heavy exercise, alcohol, smoking and firm massage are avoided.
- First 15 days: procedures inside the mouth, such as dental treatment, are postponed.
- Swelling and bruising: these are common and usually settle on their own within 7–10 days. Applying ice helps to reduce swelling.
Side effects and serious risks
The common ones are temporary bruising, swelling, redness and tenderness. Less often, a flare-up of cold sores, small lumps that can be felt (nodules) and granuloma can occur.
The most serious risk is a blocked blood vessel. If during or after the procedure there is sudden, severe pain, whitening of the skin or a purplish net-like pattern, go without delay to the doctor who did the procedure or to the nearest emergency department. In this situation the injection is stopped at once and a dissolving enzyme is applied to prevent tissue damage.
How is a lip filler dissolved?
Hyaluronic acid fillers are dissolved with an enzyme called hyaluronidase. This is used both when the result is not as wanted and when a blocked vessel is suspected. Permanent fillers cannot be dissolved with this enzyme.
Who should not have it?
- People who are pregnant or breastfeeding
- People with an active infection, cold sores or a skin disease in the area
- People allergic to the filler substance or to the numbing agent it contains (lidocaine)
- People taking blood thinners and people with a clotting disorder
- People with body dysmorphic disorder or unrealistic expectations
Extra care is taken in people with an active connective tissue or immune system disease; if needed, the opinion of the relevant specialist is sought.
With any surgical procedure, results vary from person to person. You are advised to discuss the procedure with your doctor in detail beforehand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 1 cc of lip filler too much?
For adding volume to the lips, the sources generally give a range of 1–2 ml (cc), so 1 cc is within this range. Even so, the right amount varies with the structure of the lips, and overfilling in a single session is avoided.
Which lip filler is the most permanent?
Permanent fillers are not recommended for the lips: they can cause hard tissue, granuloma and a foreign-body reaction, and if the result is not liked they often have to be removed by surgery. Hyaluronic acid, the substance most often used in the lips, stays on average 6–9 months, and up to 12 months with some products.
Does having a lip filler hurt?
The lips are a sensitive area. A numbing cream, ice or a local anaesthetic is used before the procedure. The feeling of pain varies from person to person.
How long does swelling last after a lip filler?
Swelling and bruising are common and usually settle on their own within 7–10 days. Applying ice helps. If there is sudden severe pain or whitening of the skin, seek care without delay.
Can a lip filler be dissolved?
Hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved with an enzyme called hyaluronidase. Permanent fillers cannot be dissolved with this enzyme.
What is the 'Russian technique' for lip filler?
This name does not appear as a defined method in the sources we rely on, so it is not described on this page. Before the procedure, you can ask your doctor which substance will be used, how much and how.
Can a lip filler be done during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
No. Pregnancy and breastfeeding are among the situations in which a lip filler is not applied.
Sources
- Kutlubay Z — A'dan Z'ye Dermokozmetik Uygulamalar [Dermocosmetic Applications from A to Z]. Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Department of Dermatology and Venereology. Hyaluronic acid fillers, the volume range for the lips, care before and after the procedure, signs of a blocked vessel.
- Kontis TC, Lacombe VG — Cosmetic Injection Techniques. Thieme. Lip filler techniques, pain control, the limit on the amount in one session, choice of filler.
- Filler Treatments and Complication Management — course material from a training programme in aesthetic and cosmetic applications. Substances used and not recommended in the lips, medicines before the procedure, hyaluronidase for a blocked vessel.
The information on this page is based on the national and international guidelines listed above. The page is reviewed whenever those guidelines are updated.
Practice and Contact Details
The information on this page is general. Please speak to your doctor about your own situation.
- DoctorOp. Dr. Murat Alpay — Specialist in Obstetrics and Gynaecology
- AddressOp. Dr. Murat Alpay Practice, Tekelioğlu Cd. No:51 B Kat:2, Filo Apt., 07160 Muratpaşa / Antalya
- Telephone0505 351 77 88
- HoursMonday – Saturday 09:00 – 18:00 · Closed on Sunday