The Skinny
Average Recovery
5 days
Permanence
Temporary
Application
Injected
Surgical
No
Cost
$550 - $2000
The Specifics
What are permanent lip fillers?
Permanent lip fillers provide long lasting enhancements to lip appearance for fuller lips and plump lips. Unlike temporary lip fillers (like hyaluronic acid-based Juvederm® and Restylane®) and semi-permanent lip fillers (collagen-stimulating injectables), permanent lip fillers typically contain polymethylmethacrylate microspheres, silicone, or hydrogel polymers that cannot be degraded by the body.
Anatomy of the Lip
Permanent lip fillers are very difficult to reverse or alter once placed, and, therefore, are less commonly performed than temporary or semi-permanent lip filler injections.
What cosmetic concerns does a permanent lip filler procedure treat?
Who is the ideal candidate for a permanent lip filler procedure?
The ideal candidate for a permanent lip filler does not require a surgical procedure to create their desired lip shape and/or lip size. A permanent lip filler is best for those seeking a more subtle refinement of lip fullness, projection, and/or eversion. Permanent lip fillers are not recommended for candidates requiring intensive corrections, or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
What is the average recovery associated with a permanent lip filler procedure?
Most patients undergoing a permanent lip filler experience about one day of redness and swelling at the injection site, which can be lessened through the use of cool compresses. Mild limitations on strenuous activity should be taken for the first 24 hours following the injection, and patients should sleep with an elevated head of bed. Patients usually are entirely recovered within seven days.
What are the potential side effects of a permanent lip filler procedure?
Less common side effects from a permanent lip filler include pain, bruising, asymmetry, and nodule formation. A potential and severe complication is intravascular injection leading to skin necrosis. Severe allergic reactions can occur.
What can someone expect from the results of a permanent lip filler procedure?
The results of permanent lip fillers are, as the name implies, permanent. Patients usually require successive sessions spaced by two to three months to create their ideal aesthetic. These sessions are spaced to avoid overfilling and excessive lip volume augmentation. A surgical procedure will be required to reverse the results of this procedure.
What is the average cost of a permanent lip filler procedure?
The average cost of a permanent lip filler is $550 to $2,000 per lip. The actual cost of the procedure will vary by location, board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon, and individual candidate needs.
Pros
Cons
Invasiveness Score
Invasiveness is graded based on factors such as anesthesia practices, incisions, and recovery notes common to this procedure.
What to Expect
Permanent fillers provide patients with enduring lip volume. Here is a quick guide for what to expect before, during, and after semi-permanent lip fillers.
The Takeaway
Permanent lip fillers create full lips and plump lips through injections of non-degradable synthetic materials into the upper lip and/or bottom lip. These lip fillers have minimal associated downtime. Permanent lip fillers require multiple sessions over months to create the ideal aesthetic.
