Lip Filler Longevity: Juvéderm vs. Restylane vs. Revance vs. Versa
What are lip fillers?
Lip fillers, such as Juvéderm, Revance RHA, Versa, and Restylane, are a popular choice for enhancing lip volume and smoothing away fine lines. These dermal fillers, which are hyaluronic acid-based, can provide a natural-looking fullness to your lips.
At Gallery Plastic Surgery, our team of expert aesthetic nurses administer the most popular dermal and lip fillers on the market. All use hyaluronic acid but in slightly different ways. Here are some examples:
Revance RHA give a more natural appearance without pulling in too much water and without creating a “puffy” appearance.
Juvéderm is a smooth gel that provides volume and definition to fine lines. It can add significant volume and lasts a few months longer than other injectable fillers.
Restylane is a granulated dermal filler that is slightly firmer than other hyaluronic acids. Its granulated nature makes it more malleable, allowing for a subtle, sculpted appearance. It is ideal for targeting deep creases such as marionette lines.
How long do lip fillers typically last?
It depends on several factors, including your age, how fast you break down calories, and how quickly your body ages. For most people, lip fillers last around 12 months, although they can last anywhere from 6 to 18 months.
Factors that Affect the Longevity of Lip Fillers
Because numerous factors can affect the longevity of lip fillers, you must understand how many can shorten the duration of their effectiveness. Some are easy to avoid; others are not. Keep reasonable expectations in mind when getting lip fillers, particularly if several of the following conditions factor into the picture:
- Exposure to the sun can prematurely break down the hyaluronic acid in lip fillers.
- Free radicals in air pollution also shorten the life of lip fillers.
- A higher metabolism or lots of exercise will also shorten the duration of hyaluronic-based fillers.
- Because smoking reduces blood flow and damages the skin, it can cause lip fillers to fade more quickly.
What happens as lip filler wears off?
Your lips will slowly lose the volume and fullness they had when lip fillers such as Juvéderm or Restylane were first injected. This does not happen overnight; it is a gradual process over several weeks. Your lips will eventually return to their natural size and contours. However, you may feel that you look slightly older because your former lines and wrinkles may return. Your lips will not sag, but they may feel dry, as hyaluronic acid helps with hydration.
How to Make Lip Fillers Last Longer
- Avoid strenuous exercise and extreme heat for at least 48 hours after receiving lip fillers.
- Always wear a high SPF lip balm when outdoors.
- Avoid stress, which increases cortisol levels. Cortisol breaks down hyaluronic acid.
- Hydrate inside and out. Drink lots of water and use a moisturizing cream on your face. Dehydration encourages the breakdown of lip fillers.
- Avoid fried, greasy, sugary, or overprocessed foods, as these cause internal inflammation that causes fillers to break down.
- Get touch-ups to keep your lips looking great.
When should I consider a touch-up?
That depends on how long your lip filler lasts. After your first treatment, you will see a slight decrease in volume over time. To maintain the new fullness your lips received from your initial treatment, you should schedule yourself for touch-up injections when your lips begin to show a loss in volume. Touch-up injections will not require as much lip filler as the initial treatment, as you are only “topping off” the original amount of filler used.
Are there permanent lip filler options?
No. Although lip fillers can last as long as 18 months for some people, they are not permanent. However, a lip lift, which is a type of cosmetic surgery, can give you fuller lips. Consider talking to Dr. Wong about a lift lip if you want a permanent solution. You may also want to consider a PermaLift™ lip implant. This small, biocompatible silicone implant is placed beneath the skin’s surface to build up the lip’s volume. The implant is extremely soft and feels natural, and never needs retouching.
Lip Filler at Gallery Plastic Surgery
Our Aesthetic Nurses offer a wide variety of lip fillers at Gallery Plastic Surgery for patients seeking to smooth away the signs of aging and add fullness and volume without surgery. These minimally invasive injections can minimize signs of aging and last up to eighteen months.
To schedule an appointment for immediately fuller lips, contact our office at Gallery Plastic Surgery office Phone Number 831-718-8585.