Full, plump lips are universally desired. Who doesn’t want a supple, kissable pout? While some are naturally gifted in the lip department, others seek a little help from injectable dermal fillers. But how can you actually tell if someone has lip filler?
Dr. Soni and the team at Ethos Aesthetics + Wellness specialize in providing clients with the safest, most effective customized aesthetic procedures, utilizing the latest advances in non-invasive cosmetic treatments and technologies.
Read on to learn the telltale signs of lip filler and consider scheduling a consultation with us if you’re interested in enhancing your pout.
Signs Someone Has Lip Fillers
Lip fillers are designed to add volume and plumpness to the lips. According to a study published by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, there was an 84% increase in the number of people who underwent lip augmentation between 2019 and 2020.
To know if someone had undergone one, there are several clear visual signs that you can check:
- Enlarged, fuller lips compared to the rest of the facial features
- Altered Cupid’s bow shape, with a smudged or indistinct upper lip border
- Visible swelling or bruising shortly after injections
- Noticeable lumps or bumps in the lips from uneven filler placement
- Smooth, tight lips lacking natural wrinkles
- Asymmetry between lips if filler is uneven
- Inability to completely purse lips together, leaving gaps
- Unnaturally sharp angles or bumpy edges around the lip border
- Downturned mouth corners from the weight of the fillers
- Decreased mobility and expressiveness in the lips
- Visible bright highlight lines when the lips are stretched from fillers
- Firmer, less soft feel when lips are gently pressed
- Gradual enlargement over time from repeated filler treatments
- Inability to completely flatten and compress lips against teeth or gums
- Carefully examining the shape, border, plumpness, and texture of the lips compared to their natural state can reveal if fillers have been used to enhance their appearance.
How Lip Fillers Improve on Natural Lips
Lip fillers are popular cosmetic treatments that aim to enhance the natural shape and fullness of lips. This table outlines some of the key ways lip fillers can improve on natural lips
| Feature | Natural Lips | Lips with Fillers |
| Volume | Lose volume with age as collagen declines | Fillers replace lost volume |
| Shape | Have asymmetries and variations in shape | Fillers can even out the lips |
| Surface | Develop fine lines and wrinkles | Fillers make lips appear smoother |
| Closure | Compress fully when pressed together | Filler keeps lips slightly parted |
| Maintenance | Require no maintenance | Fillers need repeat treatments every 6-18 months |
What are the Common Side Effects of Lip Fillers?
While generally safe, lip fillers do carry risks ranging from minor irritation to rare serious reactions. The most common side effects include:
- Swelling, bruising, redness at injection sites
- Tenderness and soreness lasting a few days
- Small bumps or lumps under the skin
- Numbness lasting several hours up to a few weeks
- Cold sores triggered in those prone to them
- Allergic reaction signs like itching, redness, rash
- Lip asymmetry from uneven distribution of filler
These mild reactions are usually temporary and resolve within a week or two. Contact your provider immediately if you experience any severe side effects like vision changes, extreme pain or swelling, or loss of lip sensation.
How to Tell if Lip Filler Swelling is Still Normal
Swelling peaks at around 48 hours post-procedure and can last up to 2 weeks. But how can you tell if it’s normal short-term swelling or a problematic reaction?
| Signs of normal swelling | Signs of abnormal swelling |
| Occurs within the first 72 hours | Onset several weeks or months post-injection, and persists longer than 2 weeks |
| Improves with icing and pain medication | Lips feel excessively firm or lumpy |
| Lasts 1-2 weeks gradually decreasing | Asymmetric swelling (one lip more swollen) |
| No excessive firmness or lumps | Flu-like symptoms accompany the swelling |
If swelling seems excessive or arises long after injections, contact Dr. Soni immediately – it may signal an underlying complication.
How to Maintain Lip Filler Results
Lip fillers and their results can last from 3-12 months, depending on the product used, the age of the patient, metabolism, and lifestyle factors. Here are some tips to maintain lip filler results:
Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated can help maintain your lip filler results. Hydration is key to maintaining the plumping results of filler, and it can also help your body absorb the filler faster, therefore reducing your results
Follow Aftercare Instructions
Following your medical provider’s aftercare instructions is crucial to sustaining the effects of your injection. Avoid alcohol or strenuous activity for 24 hours to prevent bruising or bleeding, and take care of your lips from the beginning to give them a chance to look good for longer
Avoid Too Much Sun Exposure
Sun exposure can cause your lip fillers to break down faster, so it’s important to avoid too much sun exposure. Use an SPF lip balm every day and keep your face covered with a hat when you’re outside
Control Stress Levels
Stress can cause inflammation in the body, which can cause your dermal fillers to break down more quickly. According to a recent study, stress can cause flares of autoimmune or infectious diseases which can trigger hypersensitivity reactions following a lip filler procedure. Try to control your stress levels to maintain your lip filler results.
Eat a Balanced Diet
Eating a diet of natural, whole foods rich in vitamins, nutrients, and healthy fats, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and grains, will help your body stay healthy and decrease the breakdown of your lip fillers. Avoid junk foods, which can cause internal inflammation and swelling in our body
Schedule Maintenance Treatments
Regular appointments are the best way to maintain your desired look and keep your lip filler looking fresh. Getting a top-up every 4-6 months is the best, most reliable way of getting the results you want from your fillers
How to Remove Lip Fillers
If your pout has gone from natural to overfilled, removing lip fillers may be on your mind. Getting rid of lip injections is possible, but it requires carefully undoing what was done. Fortunately, several effective options exist to dissolve or surgically excise filler from lips and return to your natural shape:
- Dissolving fillers with hyaluronidase: If you have hyaluronic acid-based fillers, you can dissolve them with hyaluronidase, an enzyme that breaks down the filler. This is the most common method of removing lip fillers. During the procedure, a medical provider will inject hyaluronidase near the filler to dissolve it. The procedure takes about 10-15 minutes, and swelling and bruising are common side effects that subside within a few days
- Surgery: If you have permanent lip fillers, you will need surgery to remove them. A surgeon will make small incisions to remove the permanent lip fillers
Schedule a Consultation at Ethos Aesthetics + Wellness
While lip fillers can plump up a thin pout, overdone injections result in obvious cosmetic work. Our knowledgeable team specializes in natural-looking treatments tailored to your individual needs. We use the latest dermal fillers to softly enhance the lips without an artificial duck lip look. Contact Ethos Aesthetics + Wellness today to schedule your lip filler consultation with the expertise of Dr. Soni!
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if someone has had lip filler?
Signs of lip filler can include fuller, plumper lips, a more defined lip border, and reduced fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth. Other signs can include asymmetry, lumps or bumps, and an unnatural appearance
How long does lip filler last?
The duration of lip filler can vary depending on the type of filler used, but generally, results can last from six months to over a year.
What are the risks of lip filler?
Risks of lip filler can include infection, allergic reaction, and the formation of lumps or bumps. It is important to choose a reputable provider and discuss any concerns with them before undergoing the procedure.
How do you manage bruising from lip fillers?
Apply cool compresses, arnica cream, and avoid blood thinners. According to a study in British Journal Dermatology, Topical 20% arnica ointment may be able to reduce bruising more effectively than placebo and more effectively than low-concentration vitamin K formulations.
Bruising should resolve in 1-2 weeks. Promptly icing after injections helps.
What do you do for lumps after lip injections?
Gently massage and apply warm compresses. Wait 1-2 weeks for swelling to subside. Avoid over-manipulating. Get hyaluronidase injections for stubborn lumps. You can discuss the techniques with Dr. Soni and the team of Ethos Spa Skin and Laser Center.
