Temporary Lip Fillers

Temporary lip fillers like Juvederm, autologous fat transfer, and autologen provide alternatives for those who want fuller lips without having permanent lip implants placed. Temporary lip augmentation injections typically last about 6 months. The injection procedure is minimally invasive and typically only requires a half hour to complete. Temporary filler can cost between $500-$2,000 per lip depending on which filler is selected and desired fullness.

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The Skinny

avg. recovery: 5 days
permanence: Temporary
application: Injected
surgical: No
cost: $500 - $2000

About the Procedure

Choosing the provider to perform temporary lip injections is an important decision. The placement, depth, and accuracy of the injections determines the final aesthetic outcome, and is therefore integral to achieving targeted cosmetic goals. Injection sites are marked and then local anesthesia is used for numbing the injection sites. Then, the lip filler will be administered into the dermal layers of the vermillion and/or mucosa of the lips with a fine-gauge, blunt-tip cannula needle. The patient typically feels minor discomfort for about fifteen minutes as the doctor places the filler. The results of temporary lip fillers can be seen immediately after the procedure. In most cases, there is very little downtime. Many patients return to work the same day. However, strenuous activities should be avoided for a week or so until full recovery occurs. Minor redness, tenderness, bruising, itching, discoloration, discomfort, and swelling can be expected for 1-3 days post-op. Some popular temporary lip fillers are Restylane, Juvederm, Captique, and Hylaform. Depending on several patient-specific factors, temporary lip filler injections range in costs between $500-$2,000 per lip.

Plump lips are often desired for a more youthful appearance. Lip enhancements, such as temporary lip fillers, seek to augment thin lips.

Concerns

Temporary Lip Fillers addresses concerns such as:

Lip Augmentation

What to Expect

Temporary fillers can provide increased lip volume for approximately 6 months. Here is a quick guide for what to expect before, during, and after temporary lip fillers.

Before Treatment

Stop taking blood thinning medications for 2 weeks
No alcohol 24 hours prior
Reschedule if a rash, blemish, or cold sore develops in the area
An antiviral medication may be prescribed

During Treatment

Injection sites are marked
Local anesthesia numbs the injection sites
Filler is administered into the dermal layers of the vermillion and/or mucosa of the lips

Recovery Notes

The acute edema and erythema experienced after temporary lip fillers may be treated with ice packs for the first 24 hours. Candidates should avoid massaging injected areas, refrain from strenuous cardiovascular or other highly physical activity for at least six hours after treatment, and may be instructed to sleep with the head elevated for one night.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate for lip fillers does not require a surgical procedure and only requires subtle refinement of lip fullness, projection, and eversion.

Not Recommended For

Lip fillers are not recommended for candidates who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Side Effects

Side effects from lip fillers can include pain, bruising, asymmetry or nodule formation. There is always the risk that filler alone is inadequate to augment the lips and those candidates should be considered for surgery. The serious complication of injectable fillers is intravascular injection leading to skin necrosis. Immediate regional blanching, a reticulate, purple discoloration of the skin, or significant pain following treatment may indicate impending tissue necrosis.