How Long Does Lip Filler Last and What Makes It Fade Faster
“My friend and I both got lip filler at the same time. Same clinic. Same week. Hers still look great. Mine feel like they’ve deflated. What happened?”
This comes up often. Lip filler can behave differently from person to person. Here are the most common reasons one result lasts longer than another.
1. Chronic Dryness
Hyaluronic acid filler relies on water. Lips that stay dry lose structural support faster, causing filler to soften sooner.
What helps: Drink water consistently throughout the day and use a simple, fragrance free lip balm regularly, especially in colder or drier environments.
2. Too Much Lip “Maintenance”
Frequent exfoliation or strong skincare near the mouth can weaken the lip barrier, which affects how well filler holds.
What helps: Limit exfoliation, avoid acids or retinoids drifting onto the lips, and keep skincare around the mouth gentle.
3. Repetitive Lip Habits
Smoking, vaping, straw use, lip biting, or frequent puckering place repeated stress on the lips.
What helps: Reduce unnecessary tension where possible, skip straws when you can, and be mindful of habits that compress the lips repeatedly.
4. Waiting Until Everything Is Gone
Letting lip filler fully disappear often means starting over. Smaller maintenance visits usually preserve shape more easily.
What helps: Schedule a calendar reminder to reassess your lips before all volume is gone. Looking at photos from earlier weeks can help you notice subtle changes and decide whether a small touch up makes sense.
5. Heat Exposure
Regular sauna use, hot yoga, or prolonged heat can increase how quickly the body metabolizes filler.
What helps: Avoid intense heat for the first few days after lip filler injections, stay well hydrated on high heat days, and expect that frequent sauna or hot yoga use may shorten longevity. If heat is part of your routine, plan for slightly earlier maintenance rather than waiting until results fully fade.
6. Going Big Too Fast
Adding too much lip filler at once can stretch tissue, making it harder for lips to support filler long term.
What helps: Build gradually over multiple visits so tissue adapts and supports filler more effectively.
7. Injection Technique
Poor placement of lip filler can lead to faster breakdown or less stable results over time.
What helps: choosing an injector with anatomical training. At Godley Clinic, Dr. Mark Godley is a medical doctor with advanced knowledge of facial anatomy, allowing lip filler injections to be placed in a way that supports structure rather than just volume.
Book your lip filler consultation in Vancouver or Abbotsford
Lip filler longevity is rarely about one single factor. It’s influenced by hydration, movement, timing, heat exposure, and how the filler is placed. If you’re noticing differences in how your lips respond, or you’re planning your first treatment and want a more personalized approach, book a consultation with Dr. Godley in Vancouver or Abbotsford.
As a medical doctor with advanced knowledge of facial anatomy, Dr. Godley focuses on structure, balance, and natural movement to support results that age well over time.
Lip Filler FAQ
How long does lip filler last?
Lip filler typically softens gradually over several months. Movement, metabolism, hydration, and technique all influence timing.
Do lip filler injections hurt?
Most patients describe lip filler injections as uncomfortable rather than painful. Numbing agents are commonly used to improve comfort during treatment.
How much is lip filler?
Lip filler is priced by syringe. A half syringe is $595, and a full syringe is $795. Most patients need half to one full syringe for the lips, depending on their anatomy, whether it’s their first treatment, and the level of definition they’re looking for. The exact amount is determined during consultation.
