Your cost will depend on the type of filler chosen, your provider’s level of experience, their practice location, and the amount of filler injected. Less than one syringe is typically used in a first-time appointment, but you may want more, depending on your aesthetic goals.

Start prepping for your lip injection appointment 10 days in advance by avoiding blood thinners like ibuprofen, vitamin E, fish oil, or alcohol. This will help reduce side effects like bruising and swelling.

A lip injection procedure usually begins with your provider applying a topical anesthetic to numb your lips (a sensitive area) before injecting filler through a small needle or cannula into areas of your lips where you want more volume or definition. These dermal fillers add instant plumpness, shape, and definition.

Once the filler has been injected, your provider will gently massage your top and bottom lips, to prevent the formation of lumps. From start to finish, the whole process takes about 30 minutes.

Once it’s injected, the gel in fillers instantly plumps lips and adds definition.

Swelling (the amount varies person to person) is typical after injections, so don’t be surprised if you have “duck lips” for the first day or two. Your final results will be visible about one to three days post-procedure, once the swelling goes down.

Depending on which filler you opt for, results can last anywhere from three to 12 months. The rate at which your lip filler disappears is also dependent on how your body metabolizes the material (the absorption of filler is faster in some people).

You can expect to need regular touch-up sessions, typically around the four- to six-month mark, to maintain your plump lips.

There’s a misconception that filler will stretch out your lips and leave them misshapen, but that’s not the case with HA-based fillers. Your skin is elastic enough that it won’t be stretched to the point where it becomes lax, so as your body gradually metabolizes the filler, your lips will gradually return to their original shape.

Lip fillers are safe, when they’re properly injected by an experienced provider. Just be aware of potential side effects before undergoing the treatment. Side effects are few and minimal, such as soreness and slight bruising.

As mentioned, more serious side effects include infection, allergic reaction, scarring, or the potential for tissue death if the filler is accidentally injected into a blood vessel and not quickly dissolved. That’s why it’s so important to make sure you’re visiting a trained, board-certified provider who is equipped to handle any problems that might occur post-treatment. If you experience intense pain or drastic discoloration of the skin after your appointment, call your provider right away.

The lips are among the more sensitive regions on the body, meaning that injections in this area can be slightly more painful. Because of this, providers typically use a topical numbing cream prior to filler treatment in order to make the procedure more comfortable. Additionally, many hyaluronic acid fillers contain lidocaine, to aid in pain management.

Patients should expect soreness after treatment, but applying an ice pack to the area can help ease discomfort or swelling. This soreness usually lasts only a few days.