Thin lips that lack definition can make you self-conscious about your smile and overall facial appearance. As we age, lips lose volume and lip lines become more visible, taking away from your youthful look. If you want to restore plump, smooth lips without surgery, dermal fillers are the answer.
Dr. Soni and the team at Ethos Spa Skin and Laser Center offer the best lip line fillers to sculpt beautiful, natural-looking lips with long-lasting results.
What Are the Best Lip Line Fillers Available?
The most commonly used dermal fillers for enhancing lips and smoothing vertical lip lines are hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers like Restylane and Juvederm. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance found in the skin that holds onto moisture for a plumping effect.
These injectable gel fillers temporarily add volume when injected into lips. The effects usually last around 6-12 months. Some of the top hyaluronic acid fillers specifically designed for lips include:
- Juvederm Volbella XC: This product is designed to enhance lip volume and smooth vertical lip lines, also known as perioral lines, which are the wrinkles that form around the mouth
- Juvederm Ultra XC: This product is used to add fullness and plump thin lips
- Restylane Silk: This product is used for both lip augmentation and lip lines. It provides subtle hydration for thin lips with natural results
- Restylane Kysse: This product is specially formulated for the lips and is used to enhance lip volume and smooth vertical lip lines
These hyaluronic acid lip fillers produce natural-looking enhancement and shaping of the lips with minimal downtime or discomfort. Other Juvederm and Restylane products facial contouring include:
| Product Line | Product Name | Use |
| Juvederm | Juvederm Voluma XC | adds volume to the cheeks and midface area |
| Juvederm Vollure XC | smooths moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds | |
| Juvederm Ultra Plus XC | smooths moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds | |
| Juvederm XC | smooths moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds | |
| Restylane | Restylane Classic | smooths moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds |
| Restylane Lyft | adds volume to the cheeks and midface area | |
| Restylane Defyne | smooths deep facial wrinkles and folds | |
| Restylane Refyne | smooths moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds | |
| Restylane Contour | adds volume and definition to the cheeks and chin |
What are the Differences Between Lip Injections and Implants?
When it comes to enhancing lip size and shape, two common cosmetic procedures are lip injections and implants. While both can increase lip fullness, there are some key differences between these options:
Lip Fillers
- Non-surgical procedure injecting dermal filler like hyaluronic acid into the lips
- Provides immediate yet temporary increase in lip fullness for about 6-12 months
- No incisions and minimal downtime required
- Side effects are generally minimal including temporary swelling, bruising, tenderness
Lip Implants
- Surgical procedure done under anesthesia
- Silicone, Gore-Tex or SoftForm implants inserted under lip tissue or muscle
- Provides permanent lip enhancement
- More significant swelling, tenderness, and recovery time of 1-2 weeks
- Small risk of infection, displacement or extrusion of the implant over time
Other Non-surgical Options for Lip Enhancement
In addition to dermal filler injections, non-surgical options for enhancing lips include:
Lip Flip with Botox
Botox is injected into the muscles around the mouth which “flips” the top lip upward for a fuller appearance. Results of a lip flip last about 3 months.
Fat Transfer
As discussed, your body’s own fat can be added to the lips for natural-looking volume that lasts longer than fillers, however, some complications may arise. According to a study, fat transfer posts a risk of getting lumps or bulges along the area around the eyes. This can look abnormal and be hard to fix.
Lip Plumping Devices
FDA-cleared suction devices are available that temporarily plump the lips by increasing blood flow. However, results only last a couple hours.
Exfoliation
Gently exfoliating the lips removes dead skin for a smoother surface to apply lip color and gloss that appears more voluminous.
Lip Masks and Serums
Topical products infused with peptides, hyaluronic acid and other nourishing ingredients hydrate and plump up the lips. However, serums don’t work as well as dermal fillers.
How Can I Speed Up Recovery from Lip Fillers?
While dermal lip fillers require very little downtime, here are tips to help you recover more quickly:
| Tip |
| Apply an ice pack to the lips for 10 minutes after injections to reduce swelling. Continue icing a few times a day for 2-3 days. |
| Use over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol if needed for discomfort. Avoid blood-thinning medications like aspirin. |
| Sleep elevated on extra pillows to minimize swelling the first couple nights. |
| Stick to a soft, cool diet for a few days until initial swelling subsides. Avoid very hot or spicy foods. |
| Gently massage lips if permitted by your provider to distribute the filler evenly. |
| Avoid strenuous exercise for 24-48 hours that could increase swelling or bleeding. |
| Apply arnica gel to help heal bruising faster. Take oral arnica if prescribed. |
| Use a daily lip moisturizer and balm with SPF 30. |
| Wait at least 2 weeks for lip swelling to resolve before assessing your results. |
Consult Dr. Soni if you have concerns about abnormal swelling, pain, redness or hard lumps lasting more than a few days. Most side effects typically resolve within 1-2 weeks. Avoid massaging or manipulating the treated area to prevent the filler from shifting.
With proper aftercare, your lip filler results should last about 6 months to 1 year before touch-up injections are needed. Contact Ethos Spa Skin and Laser Center to maintain your beautiful, plump pout long-term.
What Precautions Should I Take Before Lip Fillers?
To ensure your lip filler treatment is as safe and effective as possible, be sure to take some precautions. First, stop taking any blood-thinning medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, vitamin E supplements, or alcohol for at least 3 days before your appointment. This will help minimize bruising.
Do not wear any makeup or lip products to your appointment – come with clean skin instead. Discuss your full medical history and medications with your provider to check for any contraindications.
Arrange transportation home afterwards, as driving immediately after is not recommended. Stay hydrated before and after to support healing. Buy some over-the-counter pain medication ahead of time to manage any discomfort.
Carefully read all pre- and post-treatment instructions given to you. Have ice packs ready at home. Avoid any dental work or other facial procedures for at least 2 weeks prior to getting fillers.
By taking these proper safety measures, you can feel confident getting beautiful, natural-looking results from lip fillers performed by the experienced injectors at Ethos Spa Skin and Laser Center.
How Can I Make Lip Fillers Last Longer?
There are several steps you can take to help extend the longevity of your lip filler results, which typically last 6 months to one year. Gently massaging the treated area as instructed by your provider can help evenly distribute the filler. Using lip balm with SPF 30+ sun protection regularly will prevent sun exposure from degrading the fillers prematurely.
Staying hydrated and moisturizing lips daily keeps them looking plump. Avoid smoking, which breaks down collagen and hyaluronic acid in lips. Follow all aftercare instructions closely, including avoiding strenuous activity initially. Return for touch-up injections on schedule before your filler fully dissipates to maintain consistently plump lips.
Limit alcohol intake and spicy, salty foods that may cause swelling. When it’s time for more filler, consider choosing a longer-lasting option like Juvederm Volbella. Gently exfoliating lips maximizes smoothness for lip color application.
The lip enhancement specialists at Ethos Spa Skin and Laser Center use the highest quality dermal fillers to help you achieve your aesthetic goals with long-lasting results. Contact us today to learn more!
What Should I Ask at a Lip Filler Consultation?
When considering lip fillers, asking the right questions at your initial consultation is key. Be sure to inquire about:
- The provider’s experience and training with lip fillers
- Before and after photos of past lip enhancement patients
- Which filler products will be used and why they are recommended
- Costs involved for the injections and any touch-ups needed
- What results can be expected and their longevity
- Side effects like swelling, bruising, discomfort to expect
- Precautions to take before and after treatment
- Recommended aftercare regimen to follow
Dr. Soni, together with our dedicated injectors will take time to address all your concerns, explain the process, and design a treatment plan to achieve your cosmetic goals for a rejuvenated, youthful lip appearance. Book your consultation today!
FAQs
Which Lip Line Filler is Best for Smoothing Wrinkles?
The best lip line fillers for minimizing the look of wrinkles around the lips are hyaluronic acid fillers like Restylane Kysse or Silk and Juvederm Volbella. These add subtle volume to plump lips and soften vertical lines and wrinkles around the mouth for up to 6 months.
What is the Best Lip Line Filler for the Upper Lip?
Experts often recommend Belotero Balance, Restylane Silk, or Juvederm Volbella or Ultra XC for reducing lines on the upper lip. These hyaluronic acid fillers integrate smoothly into lip tissue for natural-looking results. Revolax Deep may also be used for deep treatment of etched lip lines.
How Can I Get Fuller Lips with Fillers?
Lip fillers like Juvederm and Restylane can reshape and add volume along the lip line for subtle augmentation. Fat transfer and tissue grafting are other longer-lasting options using your own tissues. These procedures can naturally redefine lips for a fuller look.
How Can Lip Fillers Correct Asymmetry?
Uneven or asymmetric lips can be corrected with precise filler injections to even out the smaller side. Hyaluronic acid fillers add volume to balance contours. Follow-up appointments help refine the results for symmetrical and uniform lip shape.
