Soft, full, kissable lips—everyone wants them. Whether your natural look needs a little boost, or you want to restore the lips of your youth, fillers are a quick, safe way to get the lips of your dreams. And with an experienced, talented injector, the results are subtle and natural, never overdone (no duck face here.) We also specialize in one of the most beautiful lip filler techniques called ‘ Russian Lips’. Russian lip filler technique is used to define and sharpen vermilion border and lip contour to highlight youthful appearance.

Thinking about lip fillers? Here’s everything you need to know:

What are lip fillers?

Lip fillers are injectable products used to plump or change the shape of the lips. These fillers can also smooth the appearance of lines and wrinkles, rejuvenating your lips and the surrounding area.

The most commonly used fillers such as Stylage, Juvederm, and Restylane, are made from Hyaluronic Acid (HA), which naturally occurs in our bodies. Lip fillers are a non-surgical procedure and offer temporary results. 

Why should I get lip fillers?

Clients come to us because their lips have lost some volume with age, they’re noticing fine lines around their lips, or they want a fuller pout like Kim Kardashian or Angelina Jolie. Lip fillers provide volume and smooth the skin for natural-looking, kissable lips.

Other clients come in looking for a specific lip shape, such as Russian Lips or Julie Horne lips. Lip fillers can enhance a cupid’s bow, create a round shape—whatever makes you feel beautiful. 

What are the most popular lip filler treatments?

Every individual’s lips are unique and an experienced injector will know the best technique to complement your features. Our most frequently requested treatments include:

Russian Lips – This technique creates a subtle heart shape with more volume near the center—height is the goal, not overall plumpness. Filler is injected vertically, starting at the base of the lip, and outward toward the lip border. This treatment provides a highly natural look without excessive volume.

Julie Horne Lips – Julie Horne is a pioneer in natural, subtle looking lip enhancements. Her signature lip has a feminine shape with height in the middle of the lip, defined contour, a highlighted cupid’s bow, and natural plumpness.

Lip Rejuvenation – Lip rejuvenation involves injecting small amounts of filler above, below, and into the lips. This treatment softens fine lines and restores volume that’s lost with age. Lips look refreshed and extremely natural. Lip rejuvenation is even more effective when paired with Botox. 

What’s in lip fillers?

HA lip fillers come in a base of hyaluronic acid (HA). Hyaluronic acid is naturally produced by our body and adds plumpness to the skin. It can be found in our connective tissue, cartilage, and some nerve tissue. Because our bodies recognize HA as a natural substance, the chances of reaction are extremely low. 

While the bulk of filler is made with hyaluronic acid, each brand has its own texture and density, and may contain additional ingredients like antioxidants. This means that each filler will work differently depending on your concerns. A well-trained injector will know which filler to use for your features and your desired results. 

Which lip fillers do you recommend?

At VBeauty Spa, we use 3 different types of fillers:

Stylage – Stylage is known for its durability and long-lasting properties. It contains an antioxidant called Mannitol, which protects against free radical damage and increases the stability and lifespan of hyaluronic acid. This means Stylage doesn’t break down as quickly as other fillers. Mannitol may also lower the level of swelling and bruising after treatment.

Juvederm – Juvederm fillers are highly malleable and blend into the tissue once injected. They offer a highly natural look and feel. Juvederm comes in two forms for the lips: 

• Juvederm Ultra XC is designed for lip augmentation.
• Juvederm Volbella XC is used for vertical lip lines, as well as slight volume to the lips.        

Restylane – Restylane Silk is specially formulated for the lip area. It uses small, smooth HA particles and promises silky, natural-looking lips. Restylane Silk can be used for both lip augmentation as well as smoothing out lip lines.                                                                                                                                                                                                      

When you come in for your free consultation, we will determine the best filler for you.

Are lip fillers safe?

As with any medical procedure, lip fillers are safe provided they’re injected by a licensed professional.

When it comes to lip fillers, experience is especially key. Because fillers change the shape of your lips, it’s critical that the injector knows what kind of filler to use, how much to inject, and the right place for the injection. An aesthetic eye is also important when selecting an injector —you want to look natural, not overdone. 

In addition to being safe, fillers are extremely flexible. In most cases, fillers can be adjusted or, if you’re really unhappy, dissolved altogether. There’s an injectable enzyme that dissolves hyaluronic acid. It just goes away.

You should always take the following steps to ensure the safety of your treatment:

• Have your lip fillers done in a medical setting with proper equipment and sterilization.
• Do your research. Inexpensive fillers and treatments are usually too good to be true. 
• Be sure to use a brand name, FDA-approved product. Fillers should always come unopened, in properly labeled syringes.
• Ask about the filler ingredients and make sure you don’t have any allergies.

Before your treatment:

Before your lip fillers, you’ll meet with us for a free consultation. We’ll get to know you and your medical history, and discuss your desired results. Because lip fillers change the shape of your lips, we want a firm understanding of what you seek. This way we can determine the best course of treatment. 

If this is your first time getting lip fillers, there are a few things to consider:

• Are you taking any medications or supplements? lip fillers may react with some medications or supplements. The following medications should be stopped a week before your appointment and not be used until 3–5 days following your injections:

Aspirin and other blood thinners, Gingko Biloba, Ginseng, Ibuprofen, Omega-3 fatty acids, St John’s Wort, and Vitamin E. 

• You should also avoid alcohol for 24 hours before your treatment. 

• Avoid waxing, bleaching, tweezing, or using hair removal cream on the area around your lips
• You should not get lip fillers if you are on antibiotics or have any kind of infection.
• Are you pregnant? Specialists will not inject lip fillers if you are pregnant or nursing. No studies have been done about the effect of lip fillers on pregnant women, so specialists don’t know if they’re safe. Err on the side of caution and put off treatment until after your baby is born.

What can I expect during lip filler treatment?

The whole procedure, depending on how many treatments you’re having, takes anywhere from 15 mins to an hour.

When a specialist injects lip fillers, they’re “sculpting” your lips. They need to inject little by little until the shape is just right. Consider it an art form —if it’s done carefully, it will be a masterpiece.

Here’s what you can expect at your appointment:

• We’ll review the treatment areas we discussed in our consultation.
• Our specialist will clean the treatment area to prepare them for the lip filler injections.
• We’ll offer ice, numbing cream, or local anesthetic if you’re concerned about pain at the injection site. 
• Using a micro needle, our specialist will gradually inject fillers into the treatment area to achieve the desired effect. 
• You’ll check out the results to make sure they’re what you wanted! Remember that you’ll be a bit swollen.
• Don’t forget the follow up appointment. Come back 10-14 days after treatment to make sure you look just as you wanted.

What’s the downtime after getting lip fillers?

There’s a little bit of downtime after getting lip fillers. You shouldn’t head back to work or make dinner plans that night. Most people experience minor swelling or bruising, which should go away within a few days. We recommend allowing at least a week to fully recover, so if you have a big event, keep this in mind. 

Are there any side effects associated with lip fillers?

As with any medical procedure, there are potential side effects. Mild and temporary side effects from lip fillers include: redness, bruising, and swelling. Some people also experience tenderness or itching at the injection site. These side effects usually go away on their own a few days after treatment. 

If you experience severe pain, blanching of the skin, or any other serious issues after treatment, contact your doctor (and injector!) immediately.

Are there any special after care instructions?

After your lip filler injections, you should:

• Remain upright for 3–4 hours
• Avoid rubbing or pressing on the affected area for 3–4 hours 
• Avoid intense heat or sun exposure for at least 24 hours
• Avoid other cosmetic treatments like peels or lasers for at least 24 hours
• Avoid vigorous exercise or bending for 3-4 hours
• Stay out of the sun until any redness and swelling subside
• Sleep with your head propped up to reduce swelling

If you’re uncomfortable after your treatment, you can take Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen, and apply a cold compress — but don’t apply too much pressure! Arnica supplements may help reduce swelling. If you were taking Arnica prior to your treatment, continue taking it for at least a week after.

Some patients need or want an adjustment after treatment. Please allow 1-2 weeks after your injections before booking an appointment. Once the treatment has settled and swelling has gone away, we can see the true results and adjust as needed. 

What kind of results can I expect?

You can expect fuller, softer, natural looking lips, and a reduction in wrinkles or creases around the mouth. The overall effect is fresh and youthful. 

How soon will I see results?

The results from hyaluronic acid-based fillers are immediate, although it can take anywhere from 7-10 days to see optimal results. After a week or so, the treatment fully settles and swelling/redness subside, so you can see the “full effect.”

Are lip fillers permanent?

While they’re longer lasting than topical lip plumpers, the effects of lip fillers will eventually wear off. Results from HA fillers typically last 6-18 months depending on the type of filler used. injecting your lips does indirectly stimulate your own collagen production, so lip fillers may have some longer-lasting results. The best way to maintain your results is with maintenance treatments.

How much do lip fillers cost?

The average cost for lip fillers is $500 – $700. The cost varies depending on the type of treatment and filler.

The bottom line:

Lip fillers are a simple, temporary way to achieve full, kissable lips. This quick, safe procedure will make a notable difference in your appearance.