Lip Filler 101: Answering Your Most Common Questions

By Dr. Salyards, Refine Dermatology | Knoxville, Tennessee

 

Lip filler is one of the most requested aesthetic treatments in my practice! However, my patients usually have a lot of questions about the procedure. This Q & A is for you if you’re curious about enhancing your lips or if you have ever had questions about lip filler.

As the owner and founder of Refine Dermatology here in Knoxville, Tennessee, my approach to aesthetic treatments is always rooted in education, safety, and natural-looking results.

Today, I’m answering the most common questions I hear about lip filler—from what it’s made of, to what treatment feels like, to how long results last—so you can feel confident and informed every step of the way.

What Is Lip Filler Actually Made Of?

Most lip fillers used today are made from hyaluronic acid, often referred to as HA.

Hyaluronic acid is a substance that naturally exists in your body, particularly in the skin, joints, and connective tissues. Its primary role is to attract and retain moisture, which is why it’s so effective at restoring volume and hydration to the lips.

HA-based fillers integrate beautifully into the lip tissue, allowing for soft, smooth, and natural-looking enhancement rather than a stiff or overfilled appearance. Another important

benefit is that hyaluronic acid fillers are temporary and reversible, which makes them one of the safest options available when administered by a trained and experienced injector.

At Refine Dermatology, we exclusively use high-quality, FDA-approved fillers and select the specific product and quantity of product based on your anatomy, goals, and desired outcome.

Are Lip Filler Injections Painful?

This is one of the most common concerns I hear, and the good news is that most patients find lip filler to be very tolerable.

Before we begin treatment, we apply a strong topical anesthetic to numb the lips. In many cases, I also use a small amount of local lidocaine injected into the inside of the upper lip, which is typically the most sensitive area. This creates near-complete numbness.

You may feel some pressure or brief pinches during the injections, but discomfort is generally minimal. The treatment itself is quick, and usually takes only 10 to 15 minutes!

Can Lip Filler Be Dissolved or Reversed?

Yes, and this is one of the biggest advantages of hyaluronic acid-based fillers.

HA fillers can be dissolved using an enzyme called hyaluronidase. This allows us to adjust results, correct asymmetry, or fully reverse filler if necessary. While dissolving filler is rarely needed when treatment is done thoughtfully, it provides an important layer of safety and flexibility.

This reversibility is one of the reasons HA fillers are considered the gold standard in aesthetic medicine when performed by a skilled provider.

How Long Does Lip Filler Swelling Last?

Swelling after lip filler is completely normal and expected.

The degree of swelling varies from person to person and depends on factors like your natural anatomy and the amount of filler used. Most patients experience mild to moderate swelling, which improves significantly within 24 to 48 hours.

Subtle residual swelling typically settles by days 3 to 5, and lips continue to soften and integrate over the following week. I always remind patients not to judge their final results until at least two weeks after treatment, once everything has fully settled.

Will I Bruise After Lip Filler?

Bruising can happen. The lips are naturally very vascular, meaning they have a rich blood supply. Even with careful technique, small bruises are not uncommon. Fortunately, they’re usually mild and short-lived.

To reduce your risk of bruising, I recommend avoiding alcohol, aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, and other blood-thinning supplements for 48 hours before your appointment, unless medically necessary. After treatment, supplements like arnica can help support healing and minimize bruising.

Most bruises can be easily concealed with makeup within a few days.

How Much Lip Filler Will I Need?

The amount of filler needed depends entirely on your natural lip shape, volume, and goals.

For many patients, one syringe is enough to create a soft, natural-looking enhancement. If someone has very thin lips or desires more noticeable volume, we may build results gradually over multiple sessions using one to two syringes.

My philosophy is always harmony and proportion. The goal is not to create overly full lips, but to enhance what you already have so your lips remain balanced with your facial features.

How Long Does Lip Filler Last?

Hyaluronic acid lip fillers typically last six to twelve months.

Longevity varies depending on several factors, including your metabolism, the specific filler used, and the amount injected. Some people naturally metabolize filler faster than others.

Touch-up treatments once or twice per year can help maintain soft, beautiful results without overfilling the lips. Many patients prefer a gradual maintenance approach rather than letting filler fully dissolve before re-treating.

Will My Lips Look Natural?

This is perhaps the most important question—and the answer is absolutely, when lip filler is done thoughtfully.

My goal is never to change your appearance or create an artificial look. Instead, I focus on enhancing your lip shape, improving symmetry, restoring hydration, and supporting overall facial balance.

Every treatment is customized. From filler selection to injection technique, everything is tailored to your unique anatomy so your lips look soft, proportional, and authentically you.

What’s the Next Step If I’m Considering Lip Filler?

If you’re thinking about lip filler, the best place to start is a consultation.

During your visit, we’ll discuss your goals, evaluate your anatomy, review your medical history, and create a treatment plan designed to give you the most natural and beautiful outcome possible. Education is always part of the process, and I’m here to guide you through every step safely and confidently.

If you’re ready to learn more or schedule a consultation, we’d love to help you take the next step!