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A Guide to How Long Lip Fillers Tend to Last

How Long Does Lip Filler Last?

The longevity of lip fillers can vary from person to person, but generally, hyaluronic acid lip filler lasts somewhere between 6-9 months before maintenance treatments will be necessary. Lip fillers can add lasting volume, smooth out smoker’s lines and enhance the shape of the lips.

This article will explore the timelines you can expect for lip fillers, detailing how long they last and how you can better maintain their longevity.

At the CREO Clinic, all our lip filler treatments are performed by our doctor-led aesthetic team, whose experience in the field of lip enhancements help them make artful adjustments to the lips that look natural and proportionate.

Book a consultation at the CREO Clinic today and discover the ways our aesthetic team can enhance the appearance of your lips for a fuller and smoother finish.

A Guide To How Long Lip Fillers Tend To Last Medically reviewed by Dr. Gina Schoeman MB.ChB, MBA, Dip. Derm, MRCGP, MBCAM

How Long Does Lip Filler Last?

Although timescales can vary between patients, hyaluronic acid dermal fillers used for the lips tends to last between 6-9 months. After this, the body starts to break down the higher hyaluronic acid and any enhancements will start to decline. As a result, patients may choose to top up their results at this stage. 

Factors Affecting the Lifetime of Lip Fillers

Type of Injection

There are many different types of dermal filler that can be used in the lips, such as calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA), polylactic acid (PLLA) and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) fillers, but the most popular and only filler used at the CREO Clinic is hyaluronic acid (HA) filler.

The lifetime of the different lip fillers can vary depending on the substance used, but we prefer to use hyaluronic acid filler because they provide the best balance between quality, longevity and reversibility (HA fillers can be adjusted or removed using filler dissolver). There are alternative fillers that last longer than hyaluronic acid, but may not provide as high-quality results or be as easily adjusted.

Treatment Area

Precision of injection is very important in the application of lip fillers, and an accurate placement of filler, both in terms of depth and positioning in the lips, can help lengthen the time you can enjoy your enhancements. The more experienced your aesthetic practitioner, the more likely your filler will be accurately administered.

Timeline of Lip Filler Results

You will immediately see enhancements in the size and shape of your lips after the filler is injected. In the first few days after your lip filler injections, you are likely to experience inflammation – this should subside between 3-10 days after the treatment. After the inflammation has dissipated, you should see your final lip filler results, which should then last between 6-9 months.

How Your Choice in Doctor Plays Into Getting Lip Fillers

Your choice of cosmetic practitioner can help determine the quality of your lip enhancements and the longevity of your filler. Qualified, highly experienced practitioners will ensure your lip filler is injected accurately and in the appropriate quantities, while always taking precautions to safeguard your lips from damage.

How to Make Lip Fillers Last Longer

Make Lifestyle Changes

There are some simple lifestyle changes that can help you maximise the longevity of your lip fillers, for example:

  • Stay well hydrated – Adequate hydration makes sure your skin is as healthy as possible, which should help your lip filler last longer.
  • Avoid UV rays – UV rays can speed up the breakdown of lip filler and lead to a reduction in the size of your lip enhancements.
  • Abstain from nicotine – The effects of smoking, vaping and nicotine patches can cause the breakdown of collagen and lip filler, so try to avoid these activities.

Follow Appropriate Aftercare Instructions

The most important tip for maximising the length of the time your lip fillers last is to follow the after-care instructions provided by your Aesthetic Doctor. At the CREO Clinic, these after-care instructions will be provided after your treatment and should be followed to the letter to protect from infection that could affect your results, and improve the longevity of your lip filler.

Lip Fillers FAQ

Do I Need Follow-Up Injections for Lip Fillers?

You should only need follow-up injections for your lip fillers after 6-9 months post treatment (in the case of hyaluronic acid filler). The new injections will work as a maintenance for the results achieved after the initial injections.

Will My Lips Go Back to Normal After Fillers?

Yes, once your lip filler has broken down completely, your lips will revert to their original appearance before your lip filler was administered.

Do Lip Fillers Ever Fully Go Away?

Provided your lip fillers are made using hyaluronic acid, the filler will eventually break down naturally and disappear completely. Other fillers may last longer and sometimes take years to break down. Hyaluronic  acid filler is harmlessly absorbed into the body over time and your lips will revert to their original size and shape. If adjustments or full dissolution of filler are required, filler dissolver can also be used to harmlessly break down the existing filler.

Consult an Experienced Aesthetic Doctor on Your Lip Filler Injections

Contact the CREO Clinic today to speak with an experienced Aesthetic Doctor regarding lip filler injections. Our experienced cosmetic team understands how to make natural looking improvements to the lips that are safe, aesthetically pleasing and provide high-quality, long lasting results.