Considering treatment? Our page on lip filler in London covers suitability, results and price.
The short answer: lip filler typically lasts 6 to 12 months. Lips move all day, every day, so they break filler down faster than most other areas of the face. Cheek filler, for comparison, typically lasts 12 to 18 months.
Where you land in that range depends on you. Here is what makes the difference, what your lips will look like as it fades, and how to plan your top-ups without ending up overfilled.
What decides how long yours lasts
- Your metabolism. Hyaluronic acid is a sugar your body already makes and already breaks down. Some people simply break it down faster.
- How much was placed. A small, subtle amount fades sooner than a larger one. That is not a reason to have more at once: adding a lot in one go is how the overfilled look happens.
- Movement. Talking, eating and expression all work the filler. That is why lips sit at the shorter end compared with the cheeks or chin.
- Lifestyle. It varies from person to person, and your clinician will tell you what to expect for you at your consultation.
What lip filler looks like over time
| When | What you will notice |
|---|---|
| Straight after | Fuller lips, with swelling on top |
| Two weeks | Swelling gone. This is your true result. |
| 1 to 6 months | Settled, soft and natural to touch |
| 6 to 12 months | A gradual softening of volume and definition |
It fades slowly rather than disappearing overnight. Most people notice a little less definition and fullness before anything else changes. If you are searching for what lip filler looks like after 6 months, the honest answer is: for many people, still there, but softer than at the two-week mark.
Is lip filler permanent?
No. Your body breaks hyaluronic acid down naturally over time, which is why the result is temporary. It is also why it can be reversed: if you dislike the result, hyaluronidase dissolves it and your lips return to their natural shape within days.
When to top up
Top up when you notice your lips have softened, not on a fixed calendar. Some people come back at six months, some closer to a year. If you want more volume than your first treatment gave you, the time to add it is after the first has settled and you have lived with it for a fortnight. That sequencing is how you build a fuller result that still looks like your lips.
Can you make lip filler last longer?
There is no aftercare trick that reliably makes filler last longer, and we would rather tell you that than sell you one. What does matter is following your aftercare so the filler settles where it was placed: no exercise for 24 hours, and no makeup, hot drinks or pressure on the lips for 12 hours.
Lip filler or a lip booster?
A lip booster hydrates the lips rather than adding volume, and lasts around 6 months. Lip filler adds shape and volume and lasts 6 to 12 months. A surprising number of people asking for filler actually want the booster, and your consultation is where we work out which one you need.
What it costs at Dermamina
Lip filler is £250 for 0.7ml and £300 for 1ml. A lip booster is £300. The consultation is £50. Most first treatments are 0.7ml or 1ml, because a millilitre is roughly a fifth of a teaspoon and goes further than people expect.
We are a Save Face accredited clinic on New Cavendish Street, five minutes from Oxford Street, rated 4.8 from 2,000+ reviews on Google and Trustpilot.
Common questions
How long does lip filler last?
Typically 6 to 12 months. It depends on your metabolism, how much was placed and how much your lips move. Lips break filler down faster than most areas of the face.
Is lip filler permanent?
No. Hyaluronic acid breaks down naturally over time. It can also be dissolved with hyaluronidase if you want it removed sooner.
What does lip filler look like after 6 months?
For many people it is still there, but softer than at the two-week mark. Definition and fullness usually fade gradually rather than all at once.
How often should I top up lip filler?
When you notice your lips have softened, rather than on a fixed schedule. For some people that is six months, for others closer to a year.
How long does a lip booster last?
Around 6 months. A booster hydrates the lips rather than adding volume, which is a different job from lip filler.
Related reading
- Lip filler results timeline: swelling day by day
- Lip filler side effects and risks
- Lip filler cost and price guide
- Lip filler in London: suitability, results and price
Book now or call 0207 099 6650. Suitability for treatment is confirmed at consultation. Individual results vary.