From acne and wrinkles to dry and sagging skin, many people feel unnerved by certain facial features they believe make them less attractive. Thin, asymmetrical, downturned, or wrinkled lips are common concerns. Temporary lip fillers, introduced decades ago, have helped millions achieve fuller, more attractive lips.
This article explains what temporary lip fillers are and their key benefits, and recommends alternative treatments for people who may not be suitable candidates.
What Are Temporary Lip Fillers?
Temporary lip fillers are cosmetic injectables that add volume and enhance lip shape. They are gel-like substances that contain hyaluronic acid delivered to the skin under the lips to provide immediate plumping effects.
Hyaluronic acid naturally occurs in our bodies and provides moisture and volume to soft tissues and skin. Because hyaluronic acid fillers mimic the substance our bodies make, they are very well tolerated and safe for use in the lips.
Lip fillers typically last 6-12 months. Unlike permanent fillers, they gradually break down and are absorbed by the body within this period. These fillers can also be dissolved with the enzyme hyaluronidase in case the patient wants to reverse the results.
Note: Learn more about dermal fillers and why they are among the most popular cosmetic treatments.
Types of Temporary Lip Fillers
There are several types of temporary lip fillers. Choosing which one to use depends on the patient’s unique facial anatomy and aesthetic goals.
The most common dermal filler brands are Juvéderm®, Restylane®, Belotero®, Revanesse®. However, only a select number of hyaluronic acid fillers are FDA-approved specifically for lip enhancement. They include the following:
- Juvéderm Ultra XC
- Juvéderm Volbella XC
- Restylane-L
- Restylane Silk
- Restylane Kysse
- Revanesse Lips+
Providers often use other fillers for lips in off-label procedures due to their smooth consistency and impressive hydrating and volumizing effects. These injectables include Revanesse Versa, Juvéderm Vollure, and Belotero Balance.
Note: Learn more about collagen-stimulating semi-permanent fillers, such as Radiesse and Sculptra.
Benefits of Temporary Lip Fillers
Temporary lip fillers provide the following benefits.
- Enhanced volume – The lips appear fuller and more sensual.
- Improved lip shape – The shape of the mouth is more defined, with corrected asymmetries and accentuated contours.
- Reduced fine lines – Fillers smooth out fine lines at the lips’ outer edges.
- Minimal recovery and downtime – Swelling and other common side effects subside after a few days.
- Reversible results – HA fillers can be dissolved with hyaluronidase in a quick procedure that typically involves only one session.
- High safety profile – HA fillers are known to cause minimal, usually only mild side effects.
Temporary Lip Fillers: Risks and Side Effects
FDA-approved lip fillers undergo rigorous testing. The risk of complications is low when qualified, board-certified providers administer the fillers.
The following side effects are common after a lip filler injection:
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Redness
- Soreness
- Increased sensitivity
Bruising and swelling typically go away within a week. More severe side effects are rare. They include:
- Excessive bleeding
- Severe swelling and bruising
- Lip filler migration
- Allergic reactions (rash and itching around the lips)
- Dizziness and nausea
- Excessive peeling
- Tissue death
Contact your provider if any severe reactions occur.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Temporary Lip Fillers?
Ideal candidates for temporary lip fillers are people with naturally thin lips, those who are experiencing age-related volume loss, or who desire a more symmetrical smile. Patients must be in good overall health and over 21 years of age.
Having realistic expectations about the treatment’s outcome is essential. Temporary fillers can enhance lip volume and shape, but too much filler can result in an unnatural and unattractive appearance.
Who Should Avoid Temporary Lip Fillers?
During the initial consultation, the medical provider examines the patient and their medical history to determine if the treatment is safe for them. Lip fillers are not suitable for everyone. The following conditions may require avoiding or postponing the procedure.
- Pregnancy and lactation
- Active oral infection
- Cold sores
- Allergies to filler ingredients
- Blood clotting disorders
- Kidney problems
- Autoimmune diseases
Patients who use blood-thinning medications or supplements need to discontinue them for a week or two before the procedure.
Temporary Lip Filler Procedure
The medical provider first cleans and disinfects the patient’s lips and then applies a topical numbing cream to minimize pain and discomfort during the procedure. When the cream takes effect, which usually takes about 30 minutes, the provider injects about 0.5-1 ml of the filler into the patient’s lips using a thin needle. They may apply an ice pack on the treatment area during the session to reduce the risk of swelling and bruising.
Injecting the filler typically takes about 10-15 minutes. After treatment, the provider may massage the patient’s lips to help the filler settle. There is no downtime, and the patient can resume most of their usual activities immediately.
Temporary Lip Filler Aftercare and Recovery
Medical providers recommend that patients follow these aftercare tips to minimize side effects and ensure optimal results.
- Apply an ice pack or cold compress for about 10 minutes every hour during the first 24 hours to reduce swelling and pain.
- Avoid exposure to the sun and sources of extreme heat (e.g., saunas).
- Don’t exercise for 24-48 hours.
- Refrain from pressing, rubbing, puckering, and stretching the lips.
- Drink a lot of water to help the body process the filler.
- Sleep with your head elevated using an additional pillow.
- Avoid makeup for 12-24 hours.
- Use gentle skincare products.
Note: Learn more about how to take care of your lips after a filler treatment.
Temporary Lip Filler Results and Longevity
Hyaluronic acid fillers provide instant volumizing, smoothing, and hydrating effects. The lips are visibly fuller and softer immediately after treatment, but the final results are evident after swelling subsides, which can take up to two weeks.
The results typically last 6-12 months, depending on the filler, the patient’s metabolic rate, and their daily activities. Smoking, excessive sun exposure, inadequate skin care, and poor lifestyle habits shorten the filler’s longevity.
Temporary Lip Filler Cost
The cost of temporary lip fillers varies by brand. At Vibrant Skin Bar, we offer FDA-approved and off-label lip fillers at the following prices:
Juvéderm Ultra XC – $649 per syringe
Juvéderm Volbella XC – $625 per syringe
Juvéderm Vollure – $749 per syringe
Restylane L – $625 per syringe
Restylane Kysse – $649 per syringe
Revanesse Versa – $649 per syringe
Choosing the Right Lip Filler Injector
Choosing a licensed and experienced medical professional is essential to ensuring safe, natural-looking results. Personal recommendations, positive online reviews, and detailed before-and-after photos on a provider’s website can help you make a decision. A skilled injector will evaluate your facial features, discuss your goals, and choose the appropriate filler and injection technique to achieve your unique cosmetic goals.
Note: Review these lip filler FAQs to be prepared for your filler consultation.
Temporary Lip Filler Removal
One of the great advantages of temporary lip fillers is the ability to remove them quickly with hyaluronidase. This natural enzyme quickly dissolves hyaluronic acid in a procedure that is similar to injecting a lip filler.
Asymmetries, nodules, and unnatural-looking results typically disappear within several days. In some cases, patients need to repeat the treatment.
Temporary Lip Filler Alternatives
Various lip augmentation alternatives are available for people who are not suitable candidates for temporary lip fillers.
Microneedling with HA
Microneedling is a minimally invasive treatment that uses a device with tiny needles to create controlled injury on the skin’s surface, triggering the body’s repair mechanisms and increased collagen production.
The treatment has been used to improve various areas of the body, but its use for lip augmentation is novel. The provider first applies hyaluronic acid on the patient’s lips, and the microneedling device enables it to penetrate deeper, creating softer and fuller lips.
Botox Lip Flip
A Botox lip flip is also an injectable treatment, but instead of injecting a filler to add volume and support thin lips, it uses a neurotoxin (botulinum toxin) to relax the muscle in the upper lip. The injection causes the upper lip to roll upward in a sensual pout. The effects are short-lived, lasting up to eight weeks.
Note: Learn how lip flip and fillers differ and how to choose the appropriate treatment.
Lip-Plumping Skincare Products
Lip-plumping skin care aims to plump up the lips without injections. Many glosses and serums contain ingredients, such as chili pepper or cinnamon, that subtly and temporarily enhance lip volume by increasing blood flow. However, cosmetic professionals warn that frequent use of such products may damage the lips’ delicate skin.
A gentler approach is to use ingredients that volumize, hydrate, and support the skin barrier. Look for topical lip products formulated with hyaluronic acid, peptides, shea butter, squalane, and glycerin.
Fat Transfer
A fat transfer involves using the patient’s own fat harvested from another body part (e.g., the abdomen). It is purified and injected into the lips for plumper, more defined lips. However, the harvested fat is not a temporary filler because it is not biodegradable and can last for years.
Permanent Lip Makeup
Permanent lip makeup or a lip tattoo uses a small needle to implant pigment into the lips and along the lip border. The procedure can enhance lip shape and create the appearance of fuller lips. Permanent lip makeup is generally less expensive than fillers and touch-up treatments are needed every 1-3 years, as the pigment fades.
Conclusion
Millions of women and men have enhanced their lips with temporary lip fillers, one of the most popular beauty treatments. The treatment offers numerous benefits, including a high safety profile, minimal downtime, and impressive and natural-looking results.
Contact our medical professionals at Vibrant Skin Bar to help you achieve your aesthetic goals – full, sensual, and glistening lips.
