What is Lip Filler?
Lip filler is a popular, FDA-approved cosmetic treatment designed to enhance the lips’ shape, volume, and overall appearance using injectable fillers made from hyaluronic acid-based gel-like substances. This natural substance, already found in the body, attracts moisture and adds softness and volume for a plump, fuller appearance. Unlike lip implants or surgical lip lifts, lip augmentation with dermal fillers is minimally invasive, offering immediate results with little downtime. Our expert providers use advanced injection techniques to add volume to the upper lip, lower lip, or both, giving your lips a more defined appearance.
What Causes Thin Lips?
There are generally two causes of thin lips. The first is genetics – some patients naturally have thin lips with very little projection or visible pinkness. The second cause is aging. As you age, your body becomes less efficient at creating new collagen, the protein responsible for youthful volume that gives your lips their plumpness. As collagen breaks down, the lips can begin to sag and the visible pink area can begin to shrink. In either case, there’s little that can be done to achieve more balanced, voluminous lips without professional help.
Meet Our Experts
Liz deChadenedes
Aesthetic Injector, Registered Nurse
Liz is an experienced registered nurse with 14 years in the field, including 8 years specializing in aesthetic injections. She graduated with her nursing degree from Georgia State University in 2010 and earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Chamberlain University in 2022. Before transitioning into aesthetics, Liz worked in the operating room and in various medical specialties including GI, spine, ortho, neuro, ENT, and facial plastics. She served as a trainer for Evolus, educating healthcare professionals on neurotoxin & filler injections, and was named ‘Best Injector in Atlanta’ by Jezebel magazine for 2024. Liz is currently listed in the ‘Best Aesthetic Injectors in America’ national directory as a recommended provider for the Pensacola area. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, friends, and her golden retriever Bensky. She also enjoys traveling, playing golf, snowboarding, and dancing!
Meet The Team Lip Filler Treatment Options
Our team offers a variety of lip treatments to help you achieve a better balance of your features. During a consultation at our Pensacola office, you’ll discuss your treatment goals and develop a personalized treatment package.
Dermal Fillers
Lip filler injections with dermal fillers like Restylane® and Juvéderm® are among the most effective ways to add volume and enhance the shape of the lips. These FDA-approved, hyaluronic acid-based fillers use a gel-like substance that hydrates and plumps the lips for a fuller, more defined appearance. In addition to enhancing the lips, injectable fillers can help smooth out fine lines around the mouth, commonly called smoker’s lines, for a more youthful and refreshed appearance.
Botox®
The lip flip is one way to reveal a more visible pink area in the top lip. It works by placing Botox® in the muscle above the upper lip, causing it to retract and pull the upper lip upward. This process still preserves your natural expressions.
Professional Skincare Products
Since thin lips can be caused by aging, professional skincare products can help maintain lip injection results when utilized as part of your regular skincare regimen. By boosting collagen, you can reduce and prevent aging signs in tandem with your in-office treatments.
What to Expect During a Lip Filler Procedure
Using a fine needle or cannula, our providers inject the filler with precision to target areas such as the upper lip, lower lip, and Cupid’s bow, helping you achieve a natural-looking result that complements your features. The lip filler procedure typically takes less than an hour with minimal pain. You may experience swelling and bruising for a few days, which can be managed with cold compresses.
It’s important to avoid pressure on the injection sites to prevent potential risks such as tissue death or the filler migrating. Most patients resume normal activities shortly after treatment, with visible lip filler effects becoming more refined as swelling subsides. Our team will schedule follow-up appointments for any necessary touch-ups and to ensure your desired volume and shape are maintained.
How Can I Maintain My Lip Filler Results?
Your treatment package will likely require maintenance treatments to touch up your results. Our team will give you a detailed schedule so you understand when to return. You can help maintain your results at home by ensuring your lips are moisturized and protected from sun damage. Additionally, avoid habits like smoking or drinking through a straw which can cause your lips to pucker and crease over time. Our team can also help you explore treatment options for boosting collagen and ensuring you maintain an overall youthful and energetic look.
Lip Filler FAQs
Are lip fillers painful?
Lip fillers are generally well-tolerated, but some discomfort is expected during the procedure. Patients often describe the sensation as a series of quick pinches or a mild stinging.
When can I expect to see the final result from lip filler?
Initial results are visible immediately after the treatment, but swelling and minor bruising can obscure the final look. It typically takes about 1 to 2 weeks for the swelling to subside and for the filler to settle fully, revealing the final result.
Are there side effects of lip filler?
Lip fillers can cause temporary side effects, including swelling, bruising, tenderness, redness, and lumps at the injection site. These side effects typically resolve within a few days to a week.
How long do lip fillers last?
Lip fillers typically last between 6 and 12 months, depending on the type of filler used, your metabolism, and the amount of filler injected. Some people may need touch-ups sooner, while others enjoy longer-lasting results.
What should I avoid after lip filler?
After getting lip fillers, it’s best to avoid strenuous exercise, excessive heat (such as saunas or hot tubs), alcohol, and salty foods for at least 24 to 48 hours, as these can exacerbate swelling or bruising. You should also refrain from pressing or massaging the area.
What are lip fillers made of?
Most modern lip fillers are made of hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally occurring substance in the body that helps retain moisture and volume. HA-based fillers are popular due to their smooth consistency, safety profile, and the ability to dissolve them if needed.
Can lip filler be reversed?
Lip fillers made from hyaluronic acid can be dissolved using an enzyme called hyaluronidase. This treatment breaks down the filler quickly, often within 24 to 48 hours.
What is the difference between a lip flip and lip filler?
A lip flip uses a small amount of Botox to relax the muscles around the upper lip, causing it to flip outward and appear fuller subtly. It doesn’t add volume but enhances the shape. Lip fillers, on the other hand, actually add volume and contour using injectable fillers.
Who is a good candidate for lip fillers?
Good candidates for lip fillers are generally healthy adults who want to add volume, shape, or symmetry to their lips. A consultation with a qualified provider can help determine if fillers are the right choice for your goals.
When can I wear makeup after lip filler?
It’s best to wait at least 24 hours before applying makeup around the lips after filler treatment. This allows time for the injection sites to begin healing and reduces the risk of infection or irritation.
ABOUT US
At Grace and Grey Spa, we combine state-of-the-art medical procedures with scientifically proven skincare products and treatments so all of our patients look & feel their very best.
