What is the right age for lip injections ?

From what age can you get lip injections ?

Lip injections have become extremely popular in recent years, largely thanks to celebrities and social media influencers. They make it possible to achieve fuller, better-defined lips and meet the growing demand for facial aesthetics. However, one question often arises : from what age can lip injections be done ?
This article aims to answer that question by addressing both legal and medical aspects, while offering personalized advice for those interested in this procedure. We will also review the precautions to take according to age to ensure optimal and safe results.

Contents

Why are lip injections so popular ?

Before diving into the topic of the ideal age to start, it is important to understand why lip injections are so popular. Indeed, the face is often the first thing people notice about someone, and well-proportioned, hydrated lips can enhance the overall appearance of the face.

  • The appeal of lip symmetry and the beauty standards of lips : a symmetrical mouth with full, well-defined lips is a key element of attractiveness.
  • Enhancement of the natural lip contours : injections can define the lip outline, using the contouring technique, providing a subtle yet impactful definition.
  • Volume enhancement : particularly with techniques like Russian lips and Brazilian Hug Lips.
  • Anti-aging effect : with aging, the lips lose volume and wrinkles appear around the mouth, the lip wrinkles or barcode lines. Hyaluronic acid injections rejuvenate the perioral area.
  • Temporary but reversible results : the effects of hyaluronic acid injections are temporary, and patients can choose not to repeat the treatment.

What is the legal age for lip injections ?

In Switzerland, as in many other countries, there is no legally defined minimum age for lip injections, but it is generally recommended not to perform these procedures before the age of 18. The reasons are multiple.

  • Physical maturity : before adulthood, the body is still developing. Facial proportions are not always fully established, and injections at a young age could interfere with the long-term harmony of the face.
  • Informed decision-making : it is essential that the person receiving treatment fully understands the benefits and risks. This can be challenging for adolescents who are more vulnerable to social pressure and shifting beauty trends.
  • Parental consent required : in Switzerland, any cosmetic procedure on a minor requires parental consent. That said, very few practitioners agree to treat minors for ethical reasons. Dr. Romano does not perform aesthetic procedures on underage patients.

At what age is it recommended to get lip injections ? Doctors’ opinion

Most doctors recommend waiting at least until the end of adolescence, that is 18 years, before considering lip injections. At this age, facial proportions are generally stabilized and the person is better able to understand the implications of this procedure.

What age do you need to be to get your lips injected ?

Although the legal minimum age is an important factor, there is no universal “ideal age” to start lip injections. It largely depends on personal goals and individual needs.

  • Adolescence (16 to 18 years) and lip injections : as mentioned, lip injections are rarely recommended for teenagers, except in specific cases such as congenital anomalies (severe asymmetry, malformations). However, even in these situations, it is preferable to wait until adulthood to avoid premature facial changes.
  • Young adults (18 to 25 years old) and lip injections : it is often within this age range that people start considering their first lip injections. Young adults may wish to improve lip symmetry, enhance volume, or simply achieve a more glamorous appearance, lip gloss effect. In this case, using small doses of hyaluronic acid is ideal to achieve a natural result.
    However, young women and men should be aware of the risks of injecting excessive amounts, which can create an artificial effect. It is essential to aim for subtlety to achieve harmonious results.
  • Thirties (30 to 39 years) and lip injections : from the age of 30, the natural aging process becomes more noticeable, though still subtle. Collagen and elastin—proteins that maintain skin firmness and elasticity—begin to decline, which may lead to volume loss in the lips. At this stage, injections are generally used to restore lost volume rather than to increase it dramatically.
  • Forties and beyond (40+ years old) and lip injections: starting in the forties, the lips begin to lose elasticity and fine lines may appear around the mouth. Hyaluronic acid injections can help restore lost volume while filling wrinkles around the lips. At this age, the goal is often to rejuvenate the overall facial appearance while maintaining a natural look.

From what age is it ideal to start lip injections ?

Whatever the age at which you start lip injections, it is essential to take certain precautions to ensure safe and satisfying results.

For young adults (18–25 years old)
Choose an experienced practitioner : it is crucial to choose a skilled doctor to achieve beautiful and natural results without taking unnecessary risks.
Respect proportions : at this age, it is often recommended not to overdo the injections. Too much volume can create an imbalance in the face and alter the natural harmony of the features.
Avoid fleeting trends : very plump lips, on the edge of naturalness, may be fashionable, but it is important to keep in mind that beauty standards and trends change. Opting for subtle results helps avoid future regrets.

For people between 30 and 40 years old
Maintain skin elasticity : from the age of 30, the skin begins to lose elasticity, which is why it is essential to keep it well-hydrated and use anti-aging products in addition to injections.
Adapt products to needs : the choice of injected product (flexibility, cross-linking of hyaluronic acid) should be tailored to the lip morphology and the desired effect.
Do not neglect surrounding areas : it is sometimes necessary to combine lip injections with treatments for wrinkles that begin to appear around them, such as nasolabial folds and marionette lines, to achieve a harmonious result.

For people aged 40 and over
Restore volume with caution : at this age, lip volume may decrease significantly. However, it is important to remain realistic about expectations and not attempt to regain youthful lips with excessive doses. Indeed, it is possible to maintain the volume of one’s lips from adolescence, but for this, injections need to start in the thirties.
Prevent fine lines : injections can also be used to prevent or treat fine lines around the lips. A fluid and hydrating hyaluronic acid is preferred in this case.
Regular follow-up : the effects of injections fade over time, so maintenance sessions are necessary to preserve the result.

Risks and potential side effects of lip injections

Although hyaluronic acid lip injections are generally safe, they are not without risks. It is important to be aware of potential side effects before undergoing the procedure.
Immediate risks include : redness, swelling, and temporary bruising at the injection site; mild pain or discomfort; hard and tender lips.
Long-term risks include : if poorly performed, injections can cause lumps or asymmetries and completely distort the lips; injecting excessive doses can result in unnatural outcomes and alter facial proportions. Serious complications are extremely rare : infections, vascular occlusions with necrosis. These often occur following illegal injections performed by non-medical practitioners.

When should you start lip fillers ?

There is no perfect age to start lip injections, but it is generally recommended to wait until at least 18 years old. After that, it all depends on individual needs and aesthetic goals. Whether it is to improve lip symmetry at 20 or to restore lost volume at 40, the important thing is always to consult a qualified doctor and aim for a harmonious and natural result.
If you are interested in lip injections in Geneva, Dr. Romano welcomes you to his practice to assess your needs and offer a personalized treatment plan, taking into account your age and expectations.

Photo of doctor Valeria Romano in Geneva

Article written by Dr Romano Valeria

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