When it comes to enhancing your natural beauty, lip fillers have become an incredibly popular choice for adding volume and restoring a youthful look.
However, before they commit to the procedure, many patients come in with a lot of questions, one of the most common being, “How long do lip fillers last?” We’re covering all of the basics of this question in today’s post, so you can make an informed decision about whether lip fillers are right for you.
What Are Lip Fillers?
Lip fillers are injectable treatments designed to enhance the shape, volume, and symmetry of your lips, giving them a fuller and more youthful appearance. They are typically made from hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the body, so they provide a safe and effective way to achieve your desired look.
What Can I Expect After My Lip Filler Appointment?
Most patients will immediately notice that their lips are fuller and bigger after their appointment. However, the filler tends to spread out and settle in the first couple of weeks after it’s injected, so the final look will be different than right after your appointment.
Some redness, bruising, and swelling are also common in the first few days after getting lip fillers and may last for up to two weeks.
How Long Do Lip Fillers Last?
Fillers can last anywhere from 3 months to 1 year, depending on a few key factors:
- Product: Hyaluronic acid-based fillers generally last between 6 and 12 months.
- Age: Fillers are absorbed faster by people with a faster metabolism, so younger patients’ lip fillers tend to dissolve more quickly.
- Lifestyle: Any lifestyle choices that speed up your metabolism will shorten the lifespan of your fillers. This includes smoking, high stress, frequent exercise, etc. High and frequent sun exposure can also make your fillers break down more quickly.
How Can I Make My Lip Fillers Last Longer?
Lip fillers are a temporary treatment that will need to be redone or touched up eventually, but you can help your fillers last as long as possible with these tips.
Choose the Right Product
Different brands and types of lip fillers last longer and can have slightly different effects on patients. Talk with your doctor about what your goals are with your lip fillers to get specific advice on which product will work best for you.
Follow Aftercare Instructions
Your doctor may tell you to ice your lips, avoid products like lipstick and lip balm, not touch your lips (including kissing, sipping through a straw, etc.), stay out of the sun, or rest for the next day or two. Following these instructions carefully will help you recover quickly from the procedure and extend the life of your fillers.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water right after your filler appointment will help you heal quickly, and having healthy hydration levels will slow the breakdown of your fillers.
Eat Healthy
Healthy foods, like whole grains, fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, and minimally processed foods, will keep your metabolism at a healthy level and limit the stress on your system. This healthier lifestyle will help your body absorb the hyaluronic acid more slowly, making your lip fillers last longer.
Don’t Smoke
Along with the myriad of health risks that come from smoking, the habit also speeds up your metabolism, which causes your body to absorb your fillers faster. The regular puckering position of your lips can also cause your fillers to last for a shorter time.
Get Touch-Ups
Regular touch-ups, where a smaller amount of filler is injected, can help you maintain your full, refreshed look without having to start from square one. Touch-ups can generally be scheduled about every 8-12 months.
Get the Look You Want at Utah Valley Medical Spa
Our expert injector, Dr. Myers, and our skilled aestheticians are ready to help you have a positive lip filler experience and achieve that refreshed, youthful look. We’re 100% committed to providing personalized care and helping you make informed decisions about your beauty plan, so don’t hesitate to reach out. Let’s talk about whether lip fillers are a good option for you.