Do Lip Fillers Go Away? Everything You Need to Know

When deciding whether to go with lip fillers, you might be thinking, ‘Do lip fillers go away?’

The straightforward answer is yes – Lip fillers create the appearance of naturally fuller lips—but their results aren’t permanent, and several factors can affect how long they last. 

Knowing your personal history, whether you’re a first-time patient or an experienced beauty buff, now you’ve likely come across headlines about lip fillers—what they are, how long they last, and when they might be dissolved.

This guide explains the lifespan of lip fillers, reasons why their duration might change, effects following the procedure, important safety discussions, where you get to know what to expect before proceeding, during the procedure and after getting a filler treatment.

With knowledge in these areas by the end you will be well prepared for what lies ahead in your filler treatment process.

How Long do Lip Fillers Last?

Lip fillers typically follow a general lifespan of 6 to 18 months, as their effects are not permanent. 

Where lip fillers are concerned there are many variables that come into play to determine how long the filler will last, however, hyaluronic acid based fillers like Juvederm and Restylane generally last between 6 to 12 months.

For some people, the effect can last up to 18 months, but this highly depends on the filler used and one’s metabolic rate. Since lips are highly mobile (they are used during talking, eating, and even smiling), lip fillers usually dissolve at a faster rate than other facial fillers.

Why Select a Temporary Option?

A patient who is undergoing aesthetic treatment has the option of a temporary filler and can change the way they look over a specified time period. 

This choice is perfect for someone who is thinking about lip fillers for the first time, since they are able to see how a fuller lip would match their features.

What Influences the Duration of Lip Filler Effect?

There are a few factors to consider when it comes to how long will lip fillers last:

Types of Filler:

The type of filler will determine what its longevity is. Here’s a simple guide:

Hyaluronic Acid Fillers (HA): Juvederm and Restylane are designed specifically for lips, as they are multi-purpose and safe, and last on average from six months to a year.

Other Filler Type: Less known filler types, like Calcium hydroxylapatite, are used less frequently for lips but tend to last longer.

Your Metabolic Rate

Everyone has their reasons for why touch-ups are needed more often for some than others. In terms of metabolism, it is less perplexing. In simpler terms, someone with a faster metabolism will break down the filler material at a much quicker rate, leading to a shorter duration.

Activity And Movement

The lips are one of the most hyperactive regions of the body. While talking and eating, the lips are used in a multitude of ways. This performance leads to the filler being metabolised faster than the cheeks or jawline.

Filler Method And Technique

The injector’s skill and technique also play a key role. Proper placement and distribution can enhance both the longevity and natural appearance of the filler. 

Pro Tip ✨ Longevity in the lens of aesthetic medicine can be achieved through patient planning including marking these boundaries.

What Happens When Lip Fillers Dissolve?

In a normal situation, your lips will return to their original size and shape over time after the filler gently dissolves or wears off. Lip fillers are designed to:

Avoid Long-term Damage

When properly administered, they won’t stretch or permanently alter the lips.

Health Benefits

The presence of hyaluronic acid in fillers actually encourages collagen production, making the skin healthy and firmer even after the filler has subsided.

If you would like to speed up the dissolving process, your specialist can inject an enzyme called hyaluronidase that breaks down the filler material more rapidly.

What Are the Side Effects After Lip Fillers?

Although lip fillers are considered to have a low risk, there are still certain expected side effects that should go away with time. Here’s what you can anticipate:

Mild Swelling and Discomfort

When the injection is carried out, there may be temporary swelling and tenderness at the injection site are common but typically subside within 12–24 hours.

Most people experience swelling for the first 24-48 hours and the filler takes about a week to fully settle.

Temporary bruising

Some people experience some mild bruising around the injection wounds for a few days. These symptoms can also be treated with an arnica cream or cold compress.

No lasting discomfort

Lip fillers won’t prevent you from smiling or moving your lips naturally. When fully settled, the fillers look very natural when done by a good practitioner.

Specialist Tip 💡 If you want to achieve optimum results, stay away from strenuous exercise, alcohol, and excessive heat for 48 hours!

Common Misinterpretations and Myths Surrounding Lip Fillers

It seems every single person has a different lip filler story and there are always some myths that come along with the process. Here are some of the most common lip filler myths.

“Lip fillers make your lip feel weird or ‘fake.’”

Myth. With modern procedures, doctors are using contemporary methods and materials to aid the lip fillers, which ensure that the lips should feel the same.

“Your lip will become smaller when fillers dissolve.”

This statement is false, provided the fillers were correctly administered. Your lips would simply return to their natural size.

“Fillers make a smile look unnatural.”

Fillers are designed for people of all ages, and one of the advantages of fillers is that they can enhance the lips while making them look natural when done properly.

Needless to say, results strongly depend on the skill of the injector. It is wise to always go for a certified fully qualified skilled operator to achieve better outcomes.

Are Lip Fillers Safe? Key Safety Concerns to Know

In terms of lip fillers, safety precautions have to be fully in place to guarantee a proper lip filler experience. Here are 2 most important notes you should never forget:

Suitable Age Treatment

Lip fillers are approved by the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) to be used for people aged 18 and above. Clinics that comply with this regulation are guaranteed to be safe and ethical.

Only Certified Providers

Always search for certified professionals like plastic surgeons, dermatologists, or aesthetic practitioners with demonstrated experience. If you skip this step, multiple complications such as infections, damage to muscles, and poorly executed fillers can arise.

Read the reviews and ask for before and after pictures from consultations to assess the credibility of a clinic or practitioner. This way you can better understand the results they produce.

Are Lip Fillers Right for You?

For those new to cosmetic treatments or who have been pondering about lip fillers, it’s critical to evaluate the benefits, longevity, and most importantly, the overarching safety concerns. 

Lip fillers, which are not permanent, provide a fantastic opportunity to test a fuller pout without having to undergo surgery. Additionally, when carried out by qualified professionals, they have the highest level of safety among any cosmetic procedures.

If you’re interested or would like to set an appointment, book a consultation with a practitioner or an aesthetic clinic closest to you. Your desired pout is just one appointment away!

Frequently Asked Questions of Do Lip Fillers Go Away?

Q: Can lip fillers be removed if I don’t like the result?

A: Yes. If you’re unhappy with the outcome, your practitioner can use hyaluronidase to dissolve the filler quickly and safely.

Q: Will I need touch-ups?

A: Most patients choose to have touch-ups every 6 to 12 months to maintain their results.

Q: How long does swelling last after lip fillers?

A: Swelling usually subsides within 24–48 hours and fully settles within 7–10 days.