Lip augmentation is the second fastest growing facial procedure in the U.S. thanks to new advancements in FDA-approved hyaluronic acid fillers that look so natural.
So what are lip fillers? Lip fillers are different gels made of hyaluronic acid (a sugar naturally found in the body) that add temporary volume and definition when injected into the lips. There are several different hyaluronic acid fillers that are commonly used depending on the look you are wanting to achieve. So what’s the difference?
Restylane- L
- BEST FOR: Natural volume and hydration, also commonly used in the tear troughs.
- LONGEVITY: 6 months
Restylane Silk
- BEST FOR: Hydrated look with subtle volume. This is a smaller hyaluronic acid molecule for subtle results and smoothing of “raisined” or shriveled lips.
- LONGEVITY: 6 months
Juvederm Ultra
- BEST FOR: Adding volume to the body of the lip and defining the shape of the lips.
- LONGEVITY: 6 months
Juvederm Ultra Plus
- BEST FOR: Large volume. Usually used in the body of the lips for volume and other thinner fillers used in the vermillion border for a more natural look. Also great for turning the corners of the mouth up and filling the pre-jowl sulcus (the area that shadows and can give the appearance of frowning)
- LONGEVITY: 6 months
Vollure
- BEST FOR: Everything! This is one of my favorite fillers in the lips. It adds volume, but is softer than Juvederm Ultra or Juvederm Ultra Plus, for a natural result. It gives a hydrated, smooth look. Also great for smile lines and smokers lines. Lasts the longest. FDA approved for 18 months, but usually last up to a year.
- LONGEVITY: 12 months
Volbella
- BEST FOR: Hydrated look with subtle volume. Very similar to Restylane Silk. Also great for fine lines around the mouth. Great for someone new to filler wanting to ease in with a very natural look.
- LONGEVITY: 6 months
Voluma
- BEST FOR: Adding volume to cheeks and jawline for facial contouring, but too heavy for the lips.
- LONGEVITY: 1-2 years
It’s common for a good injector to layer and mix different types of fillers to achieve the best results. For instance, use a heavier filler like Juvederm in the body of the lips for fullness and a thinner filler like Vollure in the corners and vermillion border for slight definition.
Hyaluronic acid filler is NOT permanent and can be quickly and easily erased with an enzyme called Hyaluronidase. So if you’re unhappy, which you won’t be, the filler can easily be dissolved.
Notice the time frames were given for each filler, these can be different from person to person. For instance, those that are more active generally break down filler faster than someone who isn’t. Also, filler generally lasts longer in areas without as much movement. The time frames given are how long these fillers last in the lips specifically, they can generally last longer in the nose and cheeks, for example, where there is less movement.