Lip Fillers: Procedure, Benefits, Side Effects

Written by aesthetic content writer Catherine. Reviewed by Medical Director Dr. Sabrina Shah-Desai
Published on: January 29, 2025
Treatment

lip injections

Lip fillers are a highly effective way to add or restore volume, structure, and shape to thin lips. Some people are born with naturally thin lips, while others experience thinning as they age. Regardless of the cause, lip fillers are the most affordable and safest non-surgical option for enhancing lips. Other methods, like dermal fillers, lip implants, and lip lifts, are more invasive and often less desirable compared to lip fillers. Learn everything you need to know about lip fillers, including how they work, benefits, side effects, pre & post-treatment aftercare tips, lip filler cost, and more. 

What Are Lip Fillers?

Lip fillers are injections that add volume to your lips, which makes them look bigger & plumper. They can also restore lost volume, smooth out wrinkles around the mouth, and improve the lips’ shape & definition.

Fillers provide an instant way to enhance your lips, and since they are not permanent, they are perfect for those who want to change their appearance without long-term commitment.

How Do Lip Fillers Work?

Before your treatment, you’ll have a consultation to discuss what you want to achieve. This is your chance to tell your facial aesthetics doctor how much filler you think you need for the look you want. The practitioner will then offer their professional advice on the best approach.

On the day of your appointment, you can opt to have a numbing cream applied to your lips to minimise any discomfort. The doctor will then precisely inject the filler into your lips, shaping them to the size & look you want.

Pre-Treatment Advice For Lip Fillers

  • Plan your social events around your injectable treatments because you might have redness, bruising, and swelling afterwards.
  • Let your doctor know if you have any trips planned in the next 4 weeks.
  • If you feel sick, you can’t get injectable treatments.
  • If you got lip fillers at some particular clinic, find out what it was called before you go for your lip filler treatment with another doctor.
  • If you usually get cold sores, talk to your doctor before treatment.
  • Don’t have any major dental work one month before or after your lip filler treatment.
  • Make sure your teeth are healthy.
  • If you’ve been sick recently, wait before getting treatment.
  • Avoid skin treatments in the same area as your lip filler for four weeks before or after your treatment.
  • Don’t get lip filler treatment if you’re pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding.
  • Don’t have any skin treatments in the same area as your lip injections or filler for four weeks before and after the treatment.
  • Let your doctor know about any medications & supplements you’re currently using. Some can affect how Anti-Wrinkle Injections or Dermal Fillers work and can increase your risk of bruising.
  • Don’t take any painkillers with Ibuprofen for 7 days before your treatment, unless prescribed by a doctor, as they can cause bruising.
  • Avoid alcohol and vitamin supplements like fish oils, garlic, and Vitamins A-E for 7 days before your treatment.
  • Come without makeup on the day of your treatment and don’t put any on for 24 hours after to avoid infection or irritation at the injection sites.

Post-Treatment Advice For Lip Fillers

  • Most people can resume their regular activities immediately after the treatment. Some might have redness, small marks, swelling, or bruising, especially on the lips. Swelling and bruising might be more noticeable the next day.
  • Do not wear makeup for 24 hours after the treatment.
  • Avoid alcohol and heavy exercise for 24 hours after the treatment.
  • Don’t put pressure on the treated area for the first week after the treatment.
  • Avoid sunbathing, sunbeds, and extreme heat or cold for 2 weeks after the treatment. These activities can make bruising & swelling worse and last longer.
  • Swelling may get worse in the first 24 hours but should go down within the first week. Using cold packs can help reduce swelling. Because of the swelling and healing, the area might feel hard or lumpy, and you may see some unevenness.
  • Do not get dental work for 4 weeks after your Lip Filler treatment.
  • Avoid any laser or skin treatments on the same area for 4 weeks after your Lip Filler treatment.
  • If you feel intense pain, see a fishnet-like pattern, or notice discolouration on or around the treated area right after or in the days following the treatment, contact your doctor immediately. 

Benefits Of Lip Fillers


Here are the main benefits of lip fillers to get fuller, perky lips –

Natural Fullness

Lip fillers give a natural look because they are made of hyaluronic acid, which the body naturally produces. Since it is natural, hyaluronic acid is less likely to cause bruising. The filler is absorbed by the body and usually needs to be replaced every six months to keep the lips plump.

Enhanced Appearance

For many people, the biggest benefit of lip fillers is having fuller lips, which can make them look and feel younger. For women who aren’t happy with some facial features, getting lip fillers can be a simple way to boost their confidence. The improvement in appearance can also help them feel more self-assured in work and social settings. 

Gradual Progression

Natural fillers can be applied gradually over time to achieve the best results. This approach is especially attractive to people with naturally thin lips who are unsure how fuller lips will look on them. Through several appointments, a patient can reach their desired lip fullness without the discomfort that might come with sudden changes in size.

Fast Recovery

Most people can get back to their normal activities just one day after getting lip fillers. It’s a simple ‘in and out’ procedure. Once the patient is ready, it generally takes 15 minutes or less. Because fillers can greatly improve a person’s appearance and self-esteem, they are worth considering before other cosmetic surgeries.

Side Effects Of Lip Fillers

Know the common side effects or risks of lip fillers you can suffer from – 

  • Bleeding and pain at the injection sites.
  • Swelling.
  • Discoloration or tenderness.
  • Infection.
  • Tissue death (vascular compromise).
  • Your lips may have different sizes (asymmetry).
  • The lip filler may spread to other areas of your face, toward the nose.

To know about the various lip filler swelling stages in detail and aftercare tips to reduce them, skim through our handy guide. 

The Bottom Line

Lip fillers involve injecting hyaluronic acid or other fillers to make the lips look plump and full. It’s a quick & simple procedure with little downtime, but it’s important to have it done by an experienced doctor. They will explain all the risks and possible side effects before the procedure. If you’re thinking about getting lip fillers, consider both the good and bad points.

The procedure is straightforward and works well, but it can cause swelling, redness & pain. If you can’t avoid drinking or flying soon after the procedure, lip fillers might not be the best choice for you.

If you are curious to know about Russian lip fillers? Know everything here and get an idea of which option is the best for you. 

Frequently Asked Questions


Q: How long after having lip filler can I be exposed to the sun?

A: It is recommended to wait for 2 weeks before exposing the treated area to sunlight or extreme temperatures.

Q: When can I fly after I have had lip filler carried out?

A: You can fly 7 days after having a lip filler treatment.

Q: How much lip filler should I get?

A: Generally, 1ml of lip filler is needed. Your doctor will suggest the best amount after a thorough consultation, considering your needs.

Q: How long will the results last?

A: Lip Fillers offer long-lasting effects, though they’re not permanent. How long they last varies based on factors like skin type, lifestyle & age. Follow-up sessions are usually suggested every 6 to 12 months, depending on the individual and the treatment. Your doctor will provide more details during your consultation.

Q: Do lip fillers hurt?

A: Lip fillers have a local anaesthetic in them, but you might feel a bit uncomfortable during the procedure. Don’t worry, it’s temporary. Your doctor can help you manage any discomfort.

Q: What is the recovery time after getting lip fillers?

A: Your pain should go away after 12 to 24 hours. Swelling should go down after 24 to 48 hours, but it might take up to a week. If you’re considering lip filler before an important event, such as a wedding, it is advisable to book the procedure at least 2 weeks in advance to allow for complete recovery.

Q: When can I eat or drink after getting my lip fillers?

A: It’s better to wait until the numbing medicine has worn off, so you don’t accidentally bite your lips and move the filler. Also, avoid messy foods that might make you wipe your lips for at least 24 hours. Don’t use straws or smoke for at least 24 hours, too. Also, avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours because it can make bruising worse.

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About the Author

Catherine

Expert Aesthetic Writer At Perfect Skin Studio Catherine is an expert content writer. Specialised in the aesthetic industry, she deeply understands aesthetic concepts and crafts informative and accessible content about them. At Perfect Skin Studio, Catherine's writings cover diverse skin, eyes, beauty, and aesthetic concerns, providing clear insights and practical solutions. She explores and addresses the latest trends, techniques, and treatments to keep our readers informed and engaged.

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Director, Perfect Skin Studio

Dr. Sabrina Shah-Desai

With over 24 years of experience in both surgical and non-surgical procedures, Dr. Sabrina Shah-Desai is widely acknowledged as one of the most trusted and experienced practitioners in the UK. Her expertise, extensive training & compassionate approach have earned her the reputation as the preferred choice for patients seeking top-tier cosmetic treatments.

Dedicated to enhancing each patient’s natural beauty and instilling confidence at every age, Dr. Sabrina and her team customise treatment plans to achieve the best possible outcomes for each individual.

Dr. Sabrina’s excellence has been recognised through prestigious awards like the UK Safety in Beauty Diamond Award for “Aesthetic Doctor of the Year 2023” and the Aesthetic Award for “Highly Commended Consultant Surgeon 2022,” and “Best Consultant Surgeon 2021” & “Best Surgical Result 2021”. As a well-respected figure in aesthetics, she was honoured as one of the Global 100 Most Influential Aesthetic Practitioners of 2019 by the My Face My Body Awards.