Let’s talk about lip injections. Lip injections are the most common form of lip augmentation, cosmetic procedures intended to provide fuller lips. Collagen was once the most common filler, but these days there are more options that are even longer-lasting. Today’s most common filler typically includes hyaluronic acid, a natural substance produced by our bodies that is a volume booster when it comes to lips. The cost and length of time they last varies, so keep reading as we break down a bit more about lip injections below!
Lip Injections & Injectables
As we mentioned, lip injectables are the most common way to plump up the lips. Injectables are needle treatments which inject a filler into the lips. Collagen used to be the most common filler, but that crown is now held by hyaluronic acid.
You can find a wide variety of lip fillers on the market, but for the most part they’re essentially the same, delivered in a similar manner and providing similar results. Once the filler has been injected, it begins to support and shape lip tissue, resulting in plumper, fuller lips.
But how long do these lip injections last? Usually around six months.
And how much do lip injections cost? This will depend on the specific filler you and your injector choose as well as how much material your lips actually need. Broadly speaking, the costs of lip injections can range from as low as $500 to as much as $2000.
How many different types of lip injections are there? Quite a few, actually! As we mentioned, many lip fillers are fairly similar, but it’s helpful to be aware of the biggest names in the lip injections game.
• Radiesse is a lip injectable that works by stimulating the collagen that naturally occurs beneath the skin. Radiesse is a popular option because it works instantaneously and can last for up to two years!
• Restylane offers two types of lip fillers, both hyaluronic acid-based: Restylane Kysse, said to be the first filler designed with XpresHAn Technology™ and can last for up to one year, and Restylane® Silk, designed specifically to augment the lips and smooth out wrinkles around the mouth for anyone 21 years of age and up.
• Juvederm is another popular dermal filler in the hyaluronic acid category, which also promises noticeable immediate results that can last up to two years. VOLBELLA® XC targets lip augmentation and lipstick lines, while JUVÉDERM® Ultra XC focuses on enhancing lip fullness. They can both last for up to one year.
An important note: all hyaluronic-acid based fillers are reversible with an injectable enzyme called hyaluronidase. So if you do try fillers and either are unhappy with the results or have an adverse reaction, you can in fact reverse the effects as long as you are using a hyaluronic-based filler. Keep this in mind when trying fillers and lip injections for the first time.
Read our guide to learn more about the wider world of injectables, which are used to target wrinkle formation on the face in addition to plumping up lips!
Non-Invasive Techniques for Lip Injections
While lip injections are considered non-invasive, it’s understandable that the idea of plumping up one’s lips through actual injectables is not necessarily for everyone. If you’re intrigued by the idea of lip injections but are curious about other ways to achieve fuller lips, keep reading!
Facials With a Lip Focus
Closer in spirit to lip injections but non-invasive, our Custom Facial with a Microdermabrasion add-on and our Time Eraser Facial are both great medi-spa options that are full-power, effective alternatives to invasive lip fillers. A third facial in our category which can also boost lip fullness, Laser Genesis Facials are both preventative and corrective. They jump start collagen production to diminish fine lines and wrinkles and encourage lip volume, offering a nice alternative to Botox and a resulting look that is more youthful and all-glowing.
Steps In Your Skincare Routine
Lip exfoliation is not just reserved for flaky lips during the cold, dry winter months. Simple exfoliation is also great for lip fullness. Check out this guide for some tips on how to exfoliate lips, but make sure to be gentle and follow up with your favorite lip balm, chapstick, or even lip oil, for the most dedicated among us. It’s not enough simply to exfoliate; it’s crucial that your lips stay hydrated and moisturized in order to maintain natural fullness.
Lip-Plumping Products
If you want to take your lipcare to the next level, skincare for the lips is a must. As you know, hyaluronic acid is known for its lip plumping capabilities, so you’re likely to see it in scores of products that make lip-boosting promises. We like PCA's Hyaluronic Acid Lip Booster for its advanced ingredient blend that is said to improve long-term lip hydration, volume, and softness. Plump and soft? Yes, please!
The world of lip-plumping products is quite vast, ranging from serums to glosses to classic balms. Although hyaluronic acid is the most common ingredient, you’ll find collagen in plenty of lip plumpers, too. Find the right one for you in this thorough list from Cosmopolitan!
If you’re curious about using lip injections to plump up your lips, keep in mind that you have additional medi-spa options as well! Explore all the facials and treatments we have to offer at Skin Spa New York and stay up on the latest trends at the Beauty Beat.
Meet the author
Katie Werbowski
Director of Brand Strategy & Development at Skin Spa New York
