Everything You Should Know About the Lip Filler Trend

In this blog, we’ll cover:

  • The science behind lip fillers
  • Lip filler risks to avoid
  • How to choose a responsible provider

Lip fillers have had their moment recently – appearing in some of the most beautiful faces in Hollywood and across the world (wide web.) If you are considering this aesthetic treatment, it is important to educate yourself on the safety of lip fillers before jumping on the trend.

On The Skin Report podcast, Dr. Simran Sethi, an Internal Medicine doctor and Founder of RenewMD medical spas and Skin by Dr. Sethi, discusses lip fillers and what people should know before they make an appointment. Read on to learn more about the aesthetic trend, including the science behind lip fillers, their risks, and how to choose a responsible provider.

The Low-Down on Lip Fillers

What exactly are lip fillers, and how do they work?

Lip filler procedures are performed by injecting filler within the lips to add volume to the area, giving patients a plumper pout. This procedure is safe when performed with legal fillers, which are made from gel-like substances like Hyaluronic Acid. HA fillers have been extensively studied and shown to have mild to moderate side effects compared to other injectables, making them a safe choice for this treatment.

A popular HA filler brand is Juvederm. Juvederm fillers are trusted by many responsible providers (including Dr. Sethi!) because they have the largest amount of clinical data supporting their products. Juvederm’s lip fillers are formulated to produce a beautiful soft, silky lip enhancement.

How long do lip fillers last?

Lip fillers and other HA fillers gradually dissolve on their own over time, and the longevity of lip fillers can vary depending on the type of filler used. For example, Juvederm Vollure has been shown to last around 12 to 14 months when used in the lips.

As the lips are very mobile, lip filler tends to dissolve faster than the fillers in other areas of the face. Lip fillers are also softer, making them more prone to dissolving faster. Lifestyle can also affect the longevity of lip fillers, as activities like smoking or regularly drinking from a straw can dissolve or break down lip fillers faster.

What if you’re unhappy with your HA lip fillers?

Fortunately, lip fillers and any HA fillers can also be dissolved using an enzyme called Hyaluronidase. This can be especially helpful in situations where the patient is experiencing an adverse reaction from the filler or is unsatisfied with their results.

Lip Issues to Look Out For

HA lip fillers can be safe, but not all fillers or providers should be trusted. Below are some risks that can occur due to unsafe lip filler procedures.

Unsafe Injectables

The lip is a delicate area where adverse changes are easily noticeable. Therefore, patients should avoid using unsafe fillers like silicone within that area.

Silicone injectables are not approved by the FDA as silicone is a permanent material our bodies cannot dissolve. As a result, the substance could migrate to other parts of the body, causing infection, pain, stroke, and even death!

Another issue with silicone fillers is that they won’t maintain a natural appearance over time. As people age and undergo natural changes and weight fluctuations, permanent substances within the lips would not be able to fit seamlessly with our facial structure over time.

Unnatural and Overdone

Let’s face it – “duck lips” don’t look good on anyone. Unfortunately, overdoing your lip fillers could result in a mouth that looks unnatural and overdone.

Too much filler can cause the lips to expand beyond their natural size and stretch the skin around them. Therefore, patients who commonly overfill their lips will have to continue filling them to that size to avoid a deflated appearance. This can look like a shriveled or wrinkled lip border and vertical lines above the lips.

Lip Injections Are Safe – Under Certain Conditions

For any procedure, you should always ensure that you are treated by a trustworthy, experienced provider who uses proper fillers.

What To Look For in A Provider

First, you will want to ensure that your provider only uses HA filler. This is the safe, FDA-approved lip filler option. Providers who offer silicone fillers should not be trusted, as this is a practice that the FDA does not approve.

Next, ask to see a provider’s work and before and after photos. This will give you a sense of that practitioner’s skill and personal style. After all, injecting fillers in the face is a form of artistry and requires the practitioner to thoroughly understand facial anatomy and aging.

A skilled provider will be able to inject in a way that makes the patient look like a naturally enhanced or refreshed version of themselves. Remember, good lip fillers should look discreet while complimenting the patient’s face.

Finally, consider the cost of the lip filler. Lip filler injections are charged based on the number of 1ml syringes of filler used. Usually, about one syringe is used in the lips, which can cost between $700 to $900 depending on the syringe product and the injector’s credentials and experience.

You should beware if a filler is offered at a price of $500 or less. This price suggests that the injector is inexperienced or is using a cheaper filler product. Understanding the cost of fillers can help you make an informed and safe decision about your provider.


To learn more information about lip filler safety, filler migration, and the difference between fillers and a lip flip, tune in to Season 1, Episode 38 of The Skin Report podcast.