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Even as hyaluronic acid filler is injected into the lips, there is immediate swelling in addition to the added volume. The reaction of the tissue to the distension and the substance of the filler is what causes this reaction to occur. For many patients, there’s almost always some micro or even heavy bruising, which can also contribute to the swelling. This swelling can last for the first few days following the injection, which can cause lips to appear larger and then shrink. It may take up to two weeks for the lips to reach the baseline state.
Hyaluronic acid is broken down by the body over a long period of time, typically months. This timeline varies depending on the filler product and the cross-linking of the molecules. The enzyme hyaluronidase can be injected to dissolve the filler in just a few days thus restoring relatively normal lips. The result may not be fully appreciated for several days or even weeks, but it should last several months beyond that point. Generally speaking, it is better to under correct and add rather than to overcorrect and have to dissolve some of the filler.
For some patients, the lips are definitely better after a few days. Not only are they plumper but the lines indicating looseness of the labial mucosa have largely disappeared. If the patient wants more plump lips, then she should return to her injector and have more filler place which usually means increased cost to the patient. Parenthetically I am strongly against” permanent fillers”. Silicone injections which were used as fillers at one time created many complications. Nearly any substance which is not incorporated into the body’s tissue such as “permanent fillers” can be problematic. In addition, another factor which is not widely discussed is that injection of almost anything in the body whether medication or filler material will cause a body reaction including collagen formation or scar tissue. This has a very long life and can be seen or experienced in patients who have injections over a long period of time. As the filler is injected by advancing the needle, scar tissue can be felt by the injector and sometimes by the patient also. This is not necessarily bad because the collagen tissue can cause additional plumping. Side effects of fillers in the lips can include firmness leading to an abnormal feeling. Lumping either due to filler augment also is sometimes seen. Hematomas eventually will resolve but also can leave behind some minor scar tissue.
When lip filler is first injected, it adds volume, definition, and hydration to the lips. However, most modern fillers are made from hyaluronic acid, a substance that naturally exists in the body and gradually breaks down over time. As a result, it is completely normal for lip filler to slowly dissolve. If your filler has fully dissolved, your lips will typically return to their natural shape and size, although the skin may still retain a slight improvement in hydration or smoothness.
The rate at which lip filler dissolves can vary from person to person. Factors such as metabolism, lifestyle, the specific filler used, and how much product was originally injected all play a role. In many cases, lip filler lasts between six to twelve months, but some individuals may notice the effects fading sooner. High levels of physical activity, frequent lip movement, and faster metabolic rates can cause the body to break down filler more quickly.
When filler has completely dissolved, many people notice that the enhanced volume and structure they previously enjoyed gradually disappear. The lips may look softer and less plump compared to when the filler was fresh. However, this process typically happens slowly rather than all at once, which allows the lips to transition back to their natural appearance in a subtle way. Because hyaluronic acid fillers integrate with the body, they rarely leave the lips looking worse than before treatment once they have dissolved.
Some patients worry that their lips will appear saggy or stretched after filler dissolves, but this is usually not the case. In fact, hyaluronic acid fillers can sometimes stimulate collagen production and improve hydration in the treated area. As a result, even after the filler fades, the lips may still appear slightly smoother or healthier than they did prior to treatment.
