What age is appropriate for lip injections ?

From what age can you get lip injections ?

injections of lips have become extremely popular in recent years, largely thanks to celebrities and social media influencers. They are used to achieve fuller, more defined lips and meet a growing demand for facial enhancement. However, one question often arises : At what age can you start getting lip injections ? ?

This article aims to answer that question by addressing both legal and medical aspects, while also offering personalized advice for those interested in the procedure. We’ll also review age-specific precautions to ensure optimal and safe results.

Contents

Why are lip injections so popular ?

Before addressing the ideal age to begin, it’s important to understand why lip fillers have become so popular. After all, the face is usually the first thing people notice, and well-proportioned, hydrated lips can enhance the overall appearance.

  • The appeal of lip symmetry : beauty standards often favor a symmetrical mouth with plump, well-defined lips.
  • Enhancement of natural lip contours : injections can sculpt the lip contour using contouring techniques, providing subtle but impactful definition.
  • Volume enhancement : particularly with techniques like Russian lips and Brazilian Hug Lips.
  • Anti-aging effect : as we age, lips lose volume and fine lines appear around the mouth (lip lines or "barcode" lines). Hyaluronic acid injections rejuvenate the perioral area.
  • Temporary yet 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 legal minimum age specifically defined for lip injections. However, treatments are generally not recommended before the age of 18, for several reasons :

  • Physical maturity : before adulthood, the face is still developing. Proportions may not be fully established, and early fillers could disrupt long-term facial harmony.
  • 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.

What age do doctors recommend for lip injections ?

Most physicians recommend waiting until at least the age of 18, when facial proportions have stabilized and the patient is better equipped to understand the procedure and its implications.

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

While the legal minimum age is one factor, there’s no universal “ideal age” to begin lip fillers. It depends largely on personal goals and individual needs.

  • Adolescents (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). Even in these situations, it is preferable to wait until adulthood to avoid premature facial modifications.
  • Young adults (18 to 25 years) and lip injections : this is often the age range when people start to consider their first lip injections. Young adults may wish to improve lip symmetry, enhance volume, or simply achieve a more glamorous look—such as the lip gloss effect. In these cases, using small doses of hyaluronic acid is ideal for achieving a natural result. Young women and men must nevertheless be aware of the risks of over-injection, which can cause an artificial effect. Subtlety is key for 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) and lip injections : after 40, lips begin to lose elasticity and fine lines can appear around the mouth. Hyaluronic acid injections help restore lost volume while filling in wrinkles around the lips. At this age, the goal is often to rejuvenate the overall facial appearance while maintaining a natural look.

When is the ideal age to begin lip injections ?

Regardless of when you begin lip injections, certain precautions should be taken to ensure safe, satisfying results.

For young adults (18–25 years)

Choose an experienced practitioner : selecting a qualified doctor is essential for safe, natural-looking results.

Respect proportions : excessive volume at this age can throw off facial balance. A conservative approach ensures harmony.

Avoid short-lived trends : ultra-full lips may be trendy, but beauty standards evolve. Choosing a subtle enhancement avoids future regret.

For people in their 30s

Maintain skin elasticity : starting at 30, skin begins to lose its elasticity, so hydration and anti-aging skincare are key to supporting filler treatments.

Tailor products to needs : the type of filler (its softness and cross-linking level) should be selected based on lip shape and desired effect.

Don’t neglect surrounding areas : sometimes, treating Nasolabial folds and marionette lines alongside the lips is necessary for a harmonious result.

For people aged 40 and over

Restore volume carefully : noticeable volume loss can occur at this age, but expectations must remain realistic. Restoring a youthful lip shape is possible, but requires starting early—in one’s thirties.

Prevent fine lines : fillers can help prevent or treat vertical lip lines. A soft, hydrating HA filler is often best for this purpose.

Regular follow-ups : as fillers wear off over time, maintenance sessions are necessary to preserve results.

Risks and potential side effects of lip injections

Although hyaluronic acid lip fillers are generally safe, they’re not risk-free. It’s important to be aware of potential side effects before undergoing treatment.

Immediate risks

  • Redness, swelling, or bruising at the injection site.
  • Mild pain or discomfort.
  • Firmness or tenderness in the lips.

Long-term risks

  • Poor technique can result in lumps, asymmetry or an unnatural shape.
  • Overfilling can distort facial proportions.
  • Serious complications (e.g. vascular occlusion, necrosis) are extremely rare and usually occur after procedures performed by non-medical individuals.

When should you start lip fillers ?

There’s no perfect age to start lip fillers, but it’s generally best to wait until at least age 18. From there, the choice depends on individual goals and needs. Whether you want to enhance symmetry in your 20s or restore lost volume in your 40s, the key is to consult a qualified doctor and aim for balanced, natural-looking results.

If you’re considering lip fillers in Geneva, Dr. Romano welcomes you for a consultation to assess your needs and create a personalized treatment plan, tailored to your age and aesthetic goals.

Photo of doctor Valeria Romano in Geneva

Article written by Dr Romano Valeria

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