What happens when lip fillers wear off?

By Dr. Aaron Stanes

Side-by-side comparison of a persons lips before and after a cosmetic procedure. The left image shows less volume, while the right image shows fuller, more defined lips. Both have a glossy finish.

Treatment guide

Discover the vital information you MUST know about lip augmentation with our detailed guide written by expert cosmetic doctors.



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

 

What actually happens when you stop getting lip fillers?

When it comes to lip fillers, there’s no denying their popularity. However, it’s just as important to understand what happens when you stop getting lip fillers, as it is when you decide to first get them. We’ve done the hard work for you, and will discuss everything to know in the aftermath of discontinuing lip filler injections.

Why do people stop getting lip fillers?

While lip fillers are one of the most in-demand cosmetic procedures around the world, one day you might decide to stop getting them. Some people simply change their aesthetic preferences and want their natural lips back. Others may have taken the lip augmentation too far, distorting their appearance. If you’re on the fence about letting your lip fillers wear off, or wondering if they could be done better, get in touch with us! We are highly experienced in designing tailored lip filler treatments.

Effects of discontinuing lip filler injections – what happens when lip fillers wear off?

When you stop receiving lip filler injections, your lips will gradually revert back to their natural size and shape. The time this takes depends on the type of lip filler you had, the number of sessions, how long you’ve been enhancing your lips, and the total volume used.

Initially, you may notice subtle changes in your lips. They may look smaller, less defined, or not as smooth. These changes are a natural part of the journey back to your natural lips. You may find it helpful to use lip care products to maintain hydration and lip health. Makeup can help highly your lip shape and definition as your volume decreases.

As the filler further wears down, your lips will become smaller, and less plump. This process is a natural, and occurs due to your body’s natural enzymes degrading the filler molecules. It occurs slowly over months to years, meaning you always have time to change your mind without starting from scratch.

Post-lip filler withdrawal symptoms

As your lip filler wears down, you should not experience any pain, swelling or lumps. If you notice any concerning symptoms with your lips, contact your injector for an assessment. Importantly, if you’ve had a lot of filler over the years, it may be hiding long-standing subtle issues like filler lumps and nodules. As the filler wears down, these things may become more noticeable.

Long-term consequences of stopping lip injections

If you let your lip fillers wear off, you won’t have any long-term consequences. Lip fillers do not cause accelerated ageing. However, having lip fillers can mask the ageing process. When you let them wear down, your underlying lip ageing will be revealed. If this bothers you, then we can help! A conservative lip filler treatment to restore subtle volume and hydration is a great option in these circumstances.

Will your lips look more wrinkled and deflated when your fillers wear off?

As long as you haven’t overfilled your lips, they will look normal when the filler wears off. If you have had too much lip filler injected for a long time, when they wear off your lips may look deflated and more wrinkled. This is why it’s critical to get your lip fillers at a reputable, doctor-led cosmetic clinic. They will always consider how treatments today may affect your lips in the future.

Lip care after stopping filler injections

It’s crucial to take care of your lips after stopping filler injections to maintain their health and appearance. Proper lip care can promote hydration, preventing dryness or chapping. These lip care steps are great even for those who continue to get lip fillers.

Hydration is a fundamental part of lip care. Use moisturising lip balms with SPF. Products with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, coconut oil, or beeswax lock in moisture keeping your lips supple. Regularly apply these, especially in hot conditions, to prevent dryness and maintain lip hydration.

Sun protection is another vital lip care step. The skin on your lips is delicate and prone to sun damage. Applying a lip balm with SPF can shield your lips from UV rays, reducing the risk of sunburn and premature aging.

Gentle exfoliation maintains smooth and healthy lips. You can use a soft toothbrush or lip scrub to remove dry skin and promote a smooth appearance.

Staying well-hydrated promotes healthy, supple lips. Conversely, dehydration causes dry, chapped lips. Maintaining proper hydration levels throughout the day is essential.

A balanced diet rich in vitamins and nutrients also supports your lip health. Vitamins A and E, and essential fatty acids, play a role in lip health. Nourish your lips with foods like fruits, vegetables and nuts.

Expectations when lip filler wears off

The changes that occur when your lip filler wears off are natural, and progressive.

Most importantly, remember that your natural lips will have aged while you had your lip fillers. If you’ve been getting lip fillers for years, your lips may look different compared to when you started.

If you are unhappy with your lips after the filler wears off, we can always re-inject a conservative amount of hydrating lip filler. This smooths the texture, hydrates, and gives a natural plump.

Natural lip fillers at Cosmetic Connection

The process of discontinuing lip filler injections involves both physical and emotional aspects. Maintain proper lip care allows you to experience a smooth transition to your natural lips.

If you change your mind and want to re-inject lip fillers, get in touch with our team of experienced medical professionals. We are experts when it comes to personalised lip fillers.

Close-up of lips showing a before-and-after comparison. The top image shows lips with minor cracks and dryness; the bottom image shows smoother, fuller lips with improved texture and hydration, likely after a cosmetic treatment.

Lip augmentation

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