Hyaluronic Acid Filler (Lips)

This patient wanted fuller lips that still matched her face, not a change in shape.

We used a soft, low-viscosity hyaluronic acid and placed most of it along the vermilion border and the body of the lower lip. The upper lip took less. Filling both equally flattens the natural balance, where the lower lip carries slightly more volume.

At one month the swelling has fully resolved and the shape has settled. The lip has a defined outline and more projection in profile, and the lip line still moves naturally when she speaks.

Judging lip filler at one week is misleading. The first days look larger than the result.

Pain, swelling, redness, and bruising are common for the first three to seven days. Lips swell more than other areas.

Lumps or irregularity may be felt for several weeks and usually soften.

Asymmetry can occur and may need adjustment.

Cold sores can be triggered in patients who carry the virus.

Hyaluronic acid is absorbed over time, typically six to twelve months in the lips. Repeat treatment is needed to maintain the result.

Very rarely, injection into a blood vessel can impair blood flow and cause skin necrosis.

Infection is uncommon.