Lip filler is also known as ‘lip injections’, ‘lip enhancement’ and ‘lip augmentation’.

Lip fillers have become one of the most sought-after non-surgical cosmetic procedures globally, offering a remarkable way to enhance your appearance when performed with precision and expertise. These popular enhancements can provide a variety of benefits, subtly refining your smile and boosting your confidence.

At their core, dermal fillers are a gel-like substance primarily composed of a compound naturally found in the skin. They work by drawing water into the lip tissue, adding volume and essential hydration. The product is carefully placed into the lips using either a tiny needle or a blunt-tipped cannula, allowing for meticulous shaping. During the injection process, the practitioner focuses on improving the overall shape, definition, size, and proportion of your lips, employing different techniques to achieve your specific aesthetic goals. This targeted approach also provides the added benefit of improved lip hydration.

Both men and women choose lip fillers for a variety of reasons. Some individuals are naturally born with smaller or less defined lips that may feel out of proportion with their facial features. Others notice that as they age, their lips gradually lose volume and become thinner. Lip fillers serve as an excellent initial treatment to enhance lip volume, bringing your lips into better balance with your face and aligning them with your personal aesthetic preferences. For those seeking a more pronounced yet still natural result, lip fillers can be combined with other complementary treatments, such as a lip flip, to create a comprehensive lip enhancement that truly complements your overall appearance.

Everything you should know before getting lip filler

Thinking about lip filler? There’s a huge amount of information out there, and not all of it is accurate. In this blog, we will give you the facts on lip fillers. No biased info. No sneaky sales pitches. No convincing you to get fillers. We are here to provide you with the information so that you can decide if lip fillers are right for you.

Common Questions About Lip Filler

What is lip filler?

Lip fillers are a popular cosmetic treatment that change the appearance of your lips using dermal filler injections. Hyaluronic acid fillers are injected into your lips to add volume. This can increase your lip size, correct asymmetry, add projection, improve definition, and adjust the ratio of your top and bottom lips. It can also restore the volume lost from your lips through the ageing process.

What lip areas can be enhanced with dermal filler?

Lip fillers can enhance the following areas:

• The upper and lower vermillion borders to enhance definition
• The body of the lips to add size, projection and improve symmetry
• The paired philtral columns that extend from the upper vermillion border towards the nose
• The oral commisures (the corners of the mouth) to add support
• The Cupid’s bow to enhance upper lip definition

Is cannula or needle better for lip fillers?

Both needles and cannulas can inject lip filler. Each technique has pros and cons. Needles are quicker and more precise, but cause more bruising and swelling. Cannulas have a lower risk of bruising and swelling, but take longer.

How much do lip fillers cost on average?

Many things affect the cost of lip fillers. Lip fillers usually cost between $400 and $800 for 1ml. The cost depends on the type of lip filler, the medical professional’s qualifications, and where you are located. Some clinics offer 1/2 ml of lip filler, which can cost between $300 and $400.

How long do lip fillers last?

How long lip fillers last is one of the most important things to know before getting treatment. Manufacturers of lip fillers state that the result should last between 6-12 months. New research using MRI scans shows that lip fillers can last many years longer than expected; especially when you’ve had a few treatments. The longevity of your lip filler depends on the type of filler and the volume injected. The number of treatments you’ve had, how often you get lip fillers, and your metabolism also play a role in how long lip fillers last.

How to make lip fillers last longer?

Despite many false claims, there are only 3 proven ways to make lip fillers last longer. Have more filler injected, have more frequent treatments, or use a thicker lip filler. However, before pursuing any of these options, consult with a qualified doctor who can explain some important considerations and limitations to you.

Can lip fillers be dissolved?

Lip fillers made of hyaluronic acid (HA) can be dissolved using hyaluronidase (Hyalase, Hylenex). Hyaluronidase is an enzyme that works immediately by breaking apart the HA molecules. This accelerates the body’s natural metabolism of the HA lip filler.

Lip fillers made of other compounds such as polyacrylamide (permanent lip filler) cannot be dissolved.

Can lip fillers fix asymmetrical lips?

Lip fillers are a convenient and effective way to improve asymmetrical lips. You can improve the symmetry of your lip volume, height, projection, and definition by injecting lip filler in deficient areas.

What size lip filler should I get?

The right size lip filler depends on many factors. A general guide to lip filler size is to have your top lip the same size as, or slightly smaller than your bottom lip. Your top lip should also project forward a few millimetres more than your bottom lip. We usually use 0.5-1 ml to enhance your lips, depending on the size of your natural lips, and the thickness of the lip filler.

Smaller lips need less lip filler, while people with softer lips need thinner filler.

Does 1ml lip filler make a difference?

1ml lip filler is the industry standard for lip enhancements. This amount is more than enough to achieve a natural-looking difference for most people. However, if you have naturally full lips, or have a very soft filler, expect to require more than 1ml to achieve a visible difference. If you want a more noticeable transformation, you’re also more likely to need more than 1ml of lip filler.

It’s always best to gradually build your result over a few treatments. This increases the safety and precision, and avoids overfilling your lips. Once you’ve built up your result, maintenance is usually required much less often.

Is 2ml lip filler a lot?

Some people do need 2ml of lip filler to achieve their ideal result. This is especially true for people with naturally full lips, those who want a more pronounced transformation, and those who have had a soft lip filler. You should not inject 2ml in one session, as this increases the risk of migration and overfilling. It is better to have 1ml per treatment and wait for your lips to heal before having your second ml.

How often do I need to get lip fillers redone?

Lip fillers are a great treatment to enhance the appearance of your lips, but they are temporary. The ideal interval between lip filler treatments is different for everyone. Most people need to get their lip fillers redone every 12-24 months. This varies depending on the type of lip filler you’ve had, how much lip filler has been injected, and how many treatments you’ve had in total. If you aren’t sure if you’re due for more lip filler, its best to consult with your provider. They’ll be able to assess your lips and advise if you’re due for more lip filler injections.

What happens when you stop getting lip fillers?

One of the first things to know when deciding on lip fillers is what happens when you stop injecting your lips?

If you choose to stop getting lip fillers, your lips will gradually return to normal as your body breaks down the filler. If you’ve been getting lip fillers for a long time, be aware that they have been disguising the ageing process in your lips. This means that when the fillers are gone, your lips may look different to how you remember them. Importantly, lip fillers won’t accelerate ageing, or stretch your natural lip tissue, as long as you don’t overfill them.

What are some common lip filler myths?

There are numerous myths about lip fillers. The most common one’s are that all lip fillers look fake, and that 1mL is a lot of lip filler. Most lip filler myths are not true, and do not have any evidence.

Benefits of Lip Filler

What are the benefits of lip fillers?

Lip fillers have many benefits that make them one of the most popular cosmetic treatments in the world. The benefits of lip filler injections include:

• Quick, safe, and effective treatment
• Long lasting results that are reversible
• The treatment is highly versatile and precise
• Improves lip fullness, shape, symmetry, and definition
• Treats the signs of ageing around your lips, such as lines and wrinkles
• Can improve an uneven or gummy smile
• Enhances the definition of your Cupid’s Bow

Results and Appearance: What to Expect After Lip Filler

How often do I need a lip filler top up?

Everyone is different when it comes to lip top-ups. Most clinics recommend revisiting the treatment every 12-24 months. However, if after this time the result is still there, then you should wait longer.

Many people find that their lip fillers can last longer than they anticipated (often over 2 years).

Maintaining lip filler results is different to building up your result. So if you’re considering lip filler for the first time, you may need 1 to 3 sessions over the first 6-12 months to achieve your ideal lip goals.

Do lip fillers look bigger at first?

Straight after your lip fillers, you will have swelling that makes your lips look bigger compared to when they heal. Sometimes swelling can be worse the morning after your lip fillers. Your upper lip may lack definition and hang over your bottom lip.

Fortunately, the swelling goes away quickly. Following lip filler pre-care and aftercare is important to keep swelling to a minimum. If you’re worried about swelling after lip fillers, then contact your provider for advice.

Do lip fillers last longer the second time?

Studies show that lip fillers do last longer the second time, as long as you have treatment before your previous result has worn off.

Can you feel lip fillers when kissing?

Most people can’t feel lip fillers when kissing. They report that their new lips retain a natural feel, with the sensation unchanged. If you’ve had thicker lip filler, there is a small chance that you might notice the lip filler when kissing. However, this is usually not troublesome. If it is then you can have your lip filler reversed.

What happens to lips after years of filler?

Repeatedly enlarging your lips with filler injections over the years can stretch your lip tissue. This is because the lip filler acts as a tissue expander. Once the fillers wear off, your lips can sag and look deflated. Luckily, this is very easy to avoid. Simply be conservative with how often you get lip fillers. Make sure you go to a cosmetic clinic that puts your interest first. A reputable clinic will say no to lip filler if adding more risks stretching your lips.

Why are my lips so dry after lip filler?

An uncommon side effect of lip filler is dry lips. It usually results from a combination of lip swelling, and the solution used to clean your lips before the injections. This can dry the lips out, and put the tissue under strain, resulting in cracking and chapping. Fortunately, this will resolve in a few days. Using an oil based lip balm after your lip fillers can prevent dry lips, and help speed up the healing process if you get them.

Do lip fillers change your smile?

A major advantage of lip fillers is that they can improve the appearance of your smile. They do this by improving the definition of your Cupid’s bow, reducing thinning of your top lip, and covering gum tissue. In inexperienced hands, lip fillers can distort your smile. This is why getting your lip fillers at a reputable doctor-led cosmetic clinic is important.

What type of lip filler is best for natural-looking results?

Hyaluronic acid lip filler injections are by far the best type of lip filler for natural-looking results. Because your lips contain natural hyaluronic acid, these fillers effectively mimic your natural lip tissue. There are many types of hyaluronic acid lip filler. Its important to get the right filler for your lip tissue type, and your lip goals. Ideally, the lip filler used should be soft, hydrating, and feel natural.

Can lip fillers look natural?

Yes, when performed correctly lip fillers will look natural. Fake looking lip fillers result from using incorrect injection techniques, too much lip filler, or the wrong type of filler.

Do lip fillers look fake?

Expertly injected lip fillers should never look fake.

Fake lips are caused by using:

• The wrong type of filler
• Too much lip filler
• Incorrect injection technique

Can I get lip fillers without getting duck lips?

Yes. Duck lips occur when too much filler has been injected into your lips. It is easy to avoid duck lips as long as your injector is experienced, uses the right amount and type of filler, and the right injection technique.

Here at Cosmetic Connection, our team are experts in sculpting natural lip enhancements with dermal filler.

Lip Filler Preparation and Aftercare

What is the aftercare for lip fillers?

Lip filler aftercare has a number of steps. The most important aftercare instructions are to use a cold compress to minimise swelling and bruising, and avoid makeup for 24 hours. Your clinician will advise you of the specific instructions relevant to your treatment and personal circumstances.

Should I ice my lips after filler?

Its very important to ice your lips after receiving filler injections. This helps to significantly minimise swelling and bruising, and speed up your recovery. Ideally, you should ice your lips for 2-4 hours after your treatment.

What are the do’s and don’ts before and after lip fillers?

Before getting lip fillers:

• Avoid alcohol 48 hours before your appointment
• Remove your makeup before arriving
• Refrain from intense exercise immediately before your appointment
• Ensure you have done your research about lip fillers

After lip fillers:

• Apply an ice pack on your lips intermittently for 2-4 hours
• Stay hydrated
• Avoid smoking and vaping
• Take over-the-counter pain relief if needed
• Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours
• Don’t drink alcohol for 48 hours
• Don’t apply makeup on your lips until the next day
• Avoid hot environments (like showers and saunas) for 24 hours. Warm showers are OK
• Avoid taking a domestic flight for 24 hours

Can I eat after lip filler injections?

After having lip filler injections, you should wait until the numbing has worn off before eating or drinking. This is so you don’t accidentally bite your lips when chewing or burn them with hot food or drink. Both of which could affect your result and cause a side effect.

Can I drink coffee after lip fillers?

You can drink coffee after having lip fillers, but you should wait until the anaesthetic wears off first. This is to avoid scald burns from hot coffee, which could cause a side effect.

Can I wax my top lip on the same day as lip fillers?

No, you should avoid waxing your top lip on the same day as your lips fillers. Ideally, don’t wax from 48 hours before, to 48 hours after your lip fillers to avoid excess swelling and skin irritation.

Can I use nicotine patches or gum after lip fillers?

Yes, you can use nicotine replacement like gum and patches after having lip fillers.

Can I brush my teeth after lip fillers?

Yes, it is ok to brush your teeth immediately after having lip fillers. Just be careful of your lips, as they will be numb until the anaesthetic wears off.

How do you shower after lip fillers?

You can shower immediately after having lip fillers. However, avoid hot showers, which will cause more swelling. Higher temperatures dilate your blood vessels, worsening swelling. For this reason, warm showers are recommended for the first 24 hours after your lip filler injections.

How do you sleep the first night after lip fillers?

For the first night after having lip fillers, you can sleep normally. Just avoid having your lips pressed against your pillow. Sleeping upright does not reduce swelling or bruising. In fact, sleeping with one or two pillows is best to reduce swelling, as the fluid from your lips will drain backwards out of your lips.

Should you avoid smiling after lip fillers?

Smiling and other facial expressions like pursing or frowning will not affect your lip filler, so there is no need to avoid it. In fact, natural facial expressions like smiling help keep your filler smooth and even.

Can I wear makeup after getting lip filler?

Despite common belief, there is no medical reason why you can’t wear makeup after your lip fillers. However, we still recommend avoiding makeup until the day after your treatment for two reasons.

The first is to avoid makeup entering the injection sites, which could tattoo your skin. The second is so that you can monitor your lips for any colour changes that might signal a side effect.

Do I need to massage my lips after getting lip filler?

Under no circumstances should you massage your lips after getting filler injections. If you do, you can worsen swelling and bruising, and even push the lip filler out of position, causing lumps and migration. If you notice a persistent lip filler lump after your treatment, you should contact your provider who will be able to correct it.

Can I drink alcohol after getting lip filler?

You should avoid alcohol for 48 hours after getting lip fillers. Alcohol can worsen swelling and bruising, delaying your recover. It also impairs your judgement, making you less likely to follow the other lip filler aftercare instructions.

Can I smoke after lip fillers?

You should avoid smoking for 48 hours after having lip fillers. Smoking reduces the oxygen levels in your blood and exposes your body to various chemicals and toxins. These factors can delay healing and increase the risk of side effects.

Can I vape after lip fillers?

After having lip fillers, you should wait at least 48 hours before you vape. Vaping impairs your body’s ability to heal, increasing the risk of side effects from your treatment.

When can I fly after lip fillers?

You should wait 24 hours after having lip fillers before taking a short-haul domestic flight. Flying too soon after lip fillers can increase swelling, and delay healing. For longer flights, including international flights, you should wait seven days before jetting off. This is because certain side effects may develop during this time, and you don’t want to be caught on a long flight, unable to seek treatment.

Can I go on holiday after getting lip filler?

You can go on holiday immediately after getting lip filler. Just avoid short flights for 24 hours and long flights for seven days. Aside from some slight swelling, there shouldn’t be anything to worry about.

Can I exercise after getting lip fillers?

You can do light exercises like walking immediately after lip fillers. Avoid anything strenuous for 1-2 days, as this can worsen swelling and bruising.

Risks and Side Effects of Lip Filler

What are the risks of lip fillers?

Lip filler injections do have risks. You’ll need to decide if the benefits of lip fillers outweigh the risks. You medical professional will explain the risk of lip fillers in detail.

Common side effects from lip filler include redness, swelling, mild bruising, and tenderness. These heal on their own.

Severe complications from lip fillers are rare. They depend on the type of lip filler, the amount injected, the injection technique, and the experience of your injector. Complications include:

• Lumps and bumps
• Asymmetry, under- and over-correction
• Infections
• Skin necrosis (due to impaired blood flow)
• Granuloma and nodules
• Lip filler migration
• Skin irritation

In case of a side effect, your lip filler may need to be dissolved. If you are concerned about a side effect, contact your provider immediately for an assessment.

Are lumps after lip fillers normal?

Feeling some small lumps for a few weeks after getting lip fillers is normal. This is usually due to local swelling, which resolves as the swelling subsides, and the filler integrates into your natural lip tissue.

Sometimes, lumps can be persistent. This may be because slightly too much lip filler was injected in one spot or because the filler has moved out of position. If you do have persistent lumps after getting lip filler, they are usually very easy to fix.

Do lip fillers hurt a lot?

Pain is one of people’s  most common concerns about getting lip fillers. The good news is that when done correctly, lip fillers don’t hurt very much.

New lip fillers come mixed with local anaesthetic. Most reputable cosmetic clinics also offer a range of numbing options to further minimise discomfort.

Do lip fillers migrate?

Lip fillers can migrate if you have too much injected. This includes getting too much filler in one session and getting lip fillers too often. Overfilling your lips puts the filler under pressure. Combined with the natural movements of your lips when you speak, the lip filler can move outside your lips – a problem known as lip filler migration. Migration is easy to avoid by not getting lip fillers too often.

How swollen will I be after getting lip filler?

The amount you swell after lip filler depends on the injection technique used and how closely you follow the preparation and aftercare steps. Some people also have certain conditions or take medications that can increase swelling. Lip filler swelling is usually the worst the morning after your procedure, which then improves very quickly. Make sure to ice your lips after your injections, as this is the best way to minimise lip filler swelling.

Can lip filler damage your lips?

It is very unlikely for filler injections to damage your lips. In instances where people have sustained damage after lip fillers, there are usually obvious causes. The most common one is over-filling. Injecting too much lip filler can stretch your lip tissue, leading to a wrinkled, deflated look when they wear off. This can be easily avoided by having conservative treatments and building up your result slowly.

What are the side effects of lip filler?

While lip fillers are a safe treatment, there are some potential side effects. These include swelling and bruising, lumps and asymmetry, infections, inflammation, and skin injury. In the case of a side effect, your lip fillers may need to be reversed.

Lip Filler: Options and Comparisons

What are the different types of lip filler?

There are different types of dermal fillers that can be used to enhance the lips. Each dermal filler has slightly different physical properties that will affect the result. You may have heard of some common brands of lip filler, but within each brand are a number of sub-types. The different ways lip fillers can be categorised include:

• Cross-linking: Cross-linking refers to how entangled the gel particles contained within the lip filler are. A lip filler with higher cross-linking will last longer and feel firmer after injection.
• Hygroscopicity: Hygroscopicity refers to the ability of the lip filler to draw water into the gel, adding hydration to the tissue.
• HA concentration: The HA concentration refers to how much of the primarily filler molecule is present in the gel. The higher the HA concentration, the longer the product will last.
• Cohesivity: Cohesivity refers to how much the individual mocecules contained within the lip filler stick together. It is dependent on the amount of cross-linking in the lip filler. Highly cohesive lip fillers are less likely to migrate.
• Lifting capacity: The lifting capacity, also known as the g-prime or storage modulus, refers to the ability of the lip filler to return to its original shape after forces have been applied to the gel, such as when speaking. Lip fillers with a high g-prime typically hold their shape very well, but may feel firm to touch.
• Viscosity: Viscosity refers to the how resistant the lip filler is to flow. Essentially it is how difficult the product is to inject, or how thick the filler is. Lip filler viscosity is not relevant after the filler has been injected, but it is important for the injector to know so that they select the correct needle size for the treatment.

It is vital that your chosen clinic carefully assesses your lips and takes the time to understand your aesthetic goals. They should advise you on the best dermal filler for your lips, and match the appropriate one to you. Clinics that advertise lip filler based on thickness and place the onus on you to choose is a red flag.

What is the difference between lip fillers and lip injections?

Lip fillers and lip injections are the same treatment. Both are common names for injecting dermal fillers into your lips. We use dermal filler in the lips to add volume, improve shape and definition, and to treat signs of lip ageing.

What is the difference between Botox and lip fillers?

Lip fillers and Botox are very different treatments and use different products. Botox is a treatment that relaxes muscles. It can be used to add height and reduce the thinning of your top lip when you smile. This is often called a ‘lip flip’.

Lip fillers are a treatment that involves injecting dermal fillers into your lips. Dermal fillers are volumising gels that reshape and resize your lips. They can improve symmetry, enhance definition, balance proportions, and restore lip volume lost with age to smooth wrinkles.

Is lip filler better than a lip flip?

A lip flip relaxes your lip muscles. This adds very subtle vertical height without changing the volume. It also reduces your top lip thinning when you smile.

Lip filler adds volume to your lips to enhance the size, shape, definition and proportions. Lip filler can achieve a more pronounced result that a lip flip, and is significantly longer lasting.

What is the Russian lip filler technique?

The Russian lip filler technique refers to a different approach to injecting dermal filler into the lips. The aim of Russian lip filler is to define the Cupid’s bow and vermillion border of the lip, giving the impression of taller and crisper-looking lips. This is achieved by placing the threads of lip filler in a vertical orientation.

Ideally you should have no filler in your lips when getting Russian lip filler. This minimises the risk of filler migration and lumps which have a slightly higher chance of occurrence with this approach.

Not all lip types and shapes are suitable for Russian lip filler. During your comprehensive consultation, your medical professional will assess your lips and advise on your suitability for the Russian lip technique. The Russian lip filler technique has a higher risk of lumps and migration, and so caution must be used.

What’s the difference between Russian lips and normal filler?

Both Russian lips and regular lip fillers involve dermal filler injections to reshape and volumise your lips. The difference is in the technique used to place the dermal filler. The Russian lips technique primarily uses vertical injections to focus on adding height to your top and bottom lip. It also defines your Cupid’s bow. The regular lip filler technique volumises while preserving a more natural appearance. We can combine the two techniques for people who want a modest enhancement with improved lip definition.

What’s the difference between Butterfly lips and normal lip filer?

Butterfly lips is a technique that combines the Russian lip filler with lip taping. Also known as Strip lips, clinicians who use the Butterly lip technique claim it achieves very pronounced results without resulting in migration. they believe that taping the lips after the treatment locks the filler in place.

In practice, Butterfly lips often result in migration a few weeks later. due to the high amount of filler used, and the injection technique.

Am I Suitable for Lip Filler

When should you not get lip fillers?

You should avoid lip fillers if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have active cold sores, or have a history of adverse reactions to lip fillers. Its also important to respect the limitations of lip filler. You should not get a treatment if you have unrealistic expectations.

Can I get lip fillers if I have thin lips?

Lip fillers are a great option for people with thin lips who want a fuller pout. Fillers volumise the lip tissue, increasing the size of thin lips. You should be careful not to have too much filler in one session, as people with thin lips are more prone to lip filler migration. Building your result gradually over time is a better way to fill thin lips.

Can I get lip fillers if I get cold sores?

It is completely fine for people who suffer cold sores to get lip filler. You’ll just need to take cold sore medication to prevent a flare. Your provider will advise you on what medication to take.

If you have an active cold sore, then you must wait for the cold sore to completely heal before getting lip fillers. This is to avoid worsening your flare and getting an infection around your lip fillers.

Can lip fillers cause cold sores?

Lip fillers cannot give you cold sores.

If you have had cold sores in the past, lip enhancement injections can cause a cold sore flare.

If you have a history of cold sores on your lips, your treating doctor may advise you to take cold sore tablets on the day of your treatment.

Are lip fillers high maintenance?

Despite common beliefs, lip fillers are in fact a low maintenance treatment. While you may need a few sessions to build up your result, after achieving it maintenance sessions are usually only required every 12-24 months. Often people discover that they can wait even longer before getting a touch-up.

Lip fillers at Cosmetic Connection

We hope this has answered all your questions about lip fillers. If you have any questions that have not been addressed here, get in touch with our team, and we will be happy to assist you.