
So you’re asking how long do lip injections last? For those of you who don’t know what this is all about, lip fillers or lip injections are one of the most requested non-surgical beauty procedures.
Lip fillers are usually done to achieve the following; to make the lips fuller, smoother, or more defined.
Some do it to get back the volume they once had which depletes as we age or to fix lip asymmetry.
For most people, it’s aesthetic – to have fuller lips that are proportionate to the face.
But some get it for self-confidence, to boost their self-esteem.
Lip fillers are usually done by a medical practitioner most of the time, but not always.
Ideally, the professionals for this procedure are plastic surgeons, dermatologists, or aesthetic doctors who are skilled in injectables.
Although there are some products that can be used at home, it’s better to do these procedures in a salon with an experienced specialist, as with inexperience, the facial muscles may be damaged and the consequences will be expected.
Lip injections when done properly are safe but some of the side effects are; swelling, bruising, or infection.
At times lumps can develop or there could be an allergic reaction.
To avoid these problems make sure you do the procedure in a reputable clinic.
Some aftercare procedures are wearing your protective gear abstinence from activities that will put you at risk and choosing experienced personnel.
You should also be prepared and have that conversation with your doctor about how realistic the outcome will be if lip injections should be done or not.
So I’ll be talking about all about lips injections in this article, duration of fillers, types of fillers, factors that can increase or decrease the lifespan of fillers, costs, side effects, and everything in between.
Factors Affecting Lip Injection Longevity

Lip longevity depends on individual factors. Let’s break it down:
1. Type of Lip Filler
So the lip properly varies in the time it takes to wear off Temporarily lip Fillers last 3 to 6 months.
For example, Juvederm or Restylane, hyaluronic acid-based fillers are more popular and last several months to a year.
Semi-permanent fillers, those made of calcium hydroxylapatite or poly-L-lactic acid can last one to two years and even longer.
Lip injection longevity is determined by the type of filler used on the lip.
2. Metabolism
Another factor that will determine how long lip injections will last is how fast your body metabolizes glycogen the filler that is injected into your lip.
Some people have a faster metabolism, so the injected filler will wear out faster.
But people with slow metabolism will find that the fillers will stick around longer than they should and that’s not good.
3. Injection Technique
A proper procedure will determine how shiny and plump the lip will be and how long it will last depends on the expert doing the injecting.
An experienced specialist knows how deep to inject the filler to prolong the time when these fillers will be effective.
4. Lifestyle Factors
Smoking, sun exposure, and diet are among the factors that will make lip fillers last differently.
Tobacco smoking can also accelerate the degradation of the filler used in building cars. Drinking water and sun protection can help in keeping the fillers effective.
5. Area Treated
Lip fillers will wear off in different ways depending on the area treated.
For example, if the fillers are injected in the part of the lip with lots of movement such as the middle of the lip, the filler will wear off faster.
How Long Do Lip Injections Last After Fillers?

As mentioned above, not all fillers are the same. Here’s a breakdown of how long each lasts:
1. Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
The most common and easiest of the lip fillers is this one.
The most popular brands are Juvederm, Restylane, And Belotero.
Results last from 6 months to 1 year depending on several factors including metabolism and lifestyle.
2. Collagen-Based Fillers
These were once the typical collagen-based fillers but are now mostly replaced by others.
But then, the results lasted 3-4 months before a touch-up was needed.
3. Calcium Hydroxylapatite Fillers
These longer-lasting temporary fillers smooth out wrinkles and add volume and can last up to 18 months or more depending on the patient.
4. Poly-L-lactic Acid Fillers (Sculptra)
Sculptra is meant to work gradually and encourage collagen fibers to form in the skin.
Although it may take longer to show results the fillers can last up to 2 years or more because it stimulates the body to produce its natural collagen.
5. Temporary vs Long-Lasting Fillers
Best for those who want a new look for a short period without permanent change.
Blind fillers are for those who have the time and money to spend on procedures that should be long-lasting and don’t need to be touched up.
Each has its pros and cons that depend on the user’s needs.
Before and After Lip Injections?
Before getting lip injections you should know what to expect.
- Before: Your lips may look more natural and less voluminous. Some may experience swelling or bruising after the procedure.
- After: Swelling subsides within a few hours to a few days. Results are visible after a week. Depending on the filler used they will last from 6 months to 2 years as mentioned above.
How Long to Heal?
The healing time of lip fillers depends on the recipient of the injections.
Patients can have some minimal swelling and bruising for 2-4 days after the procedure.
The good thing here is that most patients can go back to their normal activities the next day after the treatment – but it’s still advised to avoid strenuous activities for a few days to let your lips recover.
The final result of the treatment is achieved within 14 days after the procedure and the filler is naturally absorbed by the lips.
Lip Filler Side Effects
Although lip fillers are safe, there are side effects. Here are some common ones:
1. Swelling and Bruising
This is pretty common after lip fillers. Edema and ecchymoses vary from person to person but resolve within days.
2. Asymmetry
Sometimes they may look a bit uneven and can be corrected at the next session or touch-up appointment.
3. Nodules or Lumps
Sometimes after injections, the skin of the lips may become red and people may find small bumps or rashes on the lips.
These are usually self-limiting but persistent ones may need additional treatment.
4. Infection
As with any surgical procedure that involves injection, there is a small risk of infection.
This risk can be minimized with proper aftercare and for your sake, make sure your practitioner uses clean, sterile equipment.
Long-Term Side Effects of Lip Fillers
While the risk of serious complications is low, there are some long-term side effects. These include:
- Tissue Damage
In very rare cases, fillers may damage blood vessels or surrounding tissue and may require medical attention. - Overfilled Lips
If too much filler is injected or if you get injected too frequently without a break, you might end up with overfilled lips that look unnatural. Long term, this can distort the lip tissue.
Are Lip Fillers Safe?
The risks of lip fillers are mainly on the product used, the person doing the lip fillers, and the after-treatment advice given.
Hyaluronic acid-based fillers are considered as safe as any, but any procedure is always better done by an experienced doctor.
If done, lip fillers are relatively safe as long as the procedure is followed well.
But, don’t get lip fillers if you are allergic to the materials used for the filler or if you are pregnant or nursing.
However, in each of these cases, you should consult a specialist before making the next move.
Lip Filler Before and After
To be exact, many people want to see such results before scheduling lip injections.
Comparing the lips of the before and after specimens, one can see the difference in the size and shape of the lips.
Lip fillers give the patient fuller, plumper, and younger-looking lips as per the patients.
Tissue fullness is seen for the first few days after the injections and the results are usually visible within a week.
When to Get a Lip Injection Touch-Up
So how long do lip injections last before you need a refresh? Here are the signs:
- Your lips feel less full or plump than before.
- The edges of your lips start to look blurry.
- You see the filler being absorbed into the surrounding tissue.
- The effects start to wear off after 6 to 12 months.
Touch-ups are usually scheduled 6 to 12 months after your initial injection depending on the type of filler used.
How Much Do Lip Fillers Cost?
Lip fillers can cost as low as $200 for a cheap filler and up to $1500 for a top-of-the-line filler from one clinic to the next and from one doctor to another.
The cost is usually between 500 to 2000 dollars per session for high-end fillers.
Remember with many fillers the higher the price the longer the filler will last.
The long-term results may be worth the investment if you can afford the higher-end service.
Conclusion
So how long do lip injections last? Well, it depends on the type of filler used, your metabolism, and aftercare.
Lip fillers can last from 6 months to 2 years.
After the procedure, it’s recommended to stick to your touch-up schedule, follow the aftercare, and avoid natural triggers such as smoking or sun exposure to keep the treated area looking its best for as long as possible.
Now that you know what affects the longevity of lip injections, what fillers are available and the side effects, can lip injections work for you?
Ask about lip injections or other treatments!
FAQs
How long do lip fillers last?
Lip fillers last depending on the type of filler and individual factors, 6 months to 2 years.
What are the different types of lip fillers and how long do they last?
Hyaluronic acid fillers 6-12 months. Semi-permanent fillers like calcium hydroxylapatite 18 months to 2 years, collagen-based fillers 3-4 months.
What affects lip fillers lasting?
Metabolism, injector skill, filler type, lifestyle, and area of the lips treated.
Are lip fillers safe?
Lip fillers are safe when done by a licensed and experienced practitioner. But swelling, bruising, and occasional lumps are common.
Can lip injections cause serious side effects?
Serious side effects are rare but can be infection or tissue damage. Choose an experienced injector to minimize these risks.
How long to recover after lip fillers?
Swelling and bruising 2-4 days, full results visible 1-2 weeks. Recovery time may vary.
When do I need a touch-up for lip fillers?
Signs you need a touch are when lips lose fullness, filler fades or the edges of the lips look less defined.
Is there downtime after lip fillers?
Most can return to normal activities 24 hours after but strenuous activities should be avoided for a few days to allow the lips to heal.
Can lip fillers fix uneven lips or asymmetry?
Yes, lip fillers can fix asymmetry and full lips.
What to do after lip fillers?
Don’t touch the area, drink plenty of water, and follow aftercare instructions. Sunscreen and a healthy diet can help extend the life of your filler.
Dont forget to check some other helpful health contents on our blog for more.
REFERENCES:
- https://www.healthline.com/health/how-long-do-lip-fillers-last
- https://drtrenkle.com/
- https://silhouetteplasticsurgery.com/blog
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22133-lip-fillers
I’m Edidiong Ekpo, a recommended and experienced SEO content writer.
I have been dedicated to writing well-researched health articles to educate the general public in rural and urban areas, with tips, suggestions, and advice on health challenges.
All of my content goes through a review by the CEO of pharmafoodhealth.com – a professional medical lab scientist before publication.