Lip fillers : at what age can you start ?

lip injections 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 : a symmetrical mouth with full, well-defined lips is considered a key element of attractiveness. Beauty standards  for lips do exist.
  • Enhancement of natural lip contours : fillers can define lip contours, offering a subtle yet impactful improvement—known as lip contouring.
  • Anti-aging effect : with age, lips lose volume and lip wrinkles (often called “barcode” lines) appear around the mouth.Hyaluronic acid injections, medium peels and ablative lasers help 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.

When is the ideal age to begin lip injections ?

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 (16–18 years old) and Lip Fillers

As mentioned, lip injections are rarely recommended for adolescents, except in specific medical cases such as severe asymmetry or congenital malformations. Even in these situations, it is usually best to wait until adulthood to avoid premature facial changes.

Young adults (ages 18–25) and Lip Injections

This is the most common age range for first-time lip injections. Young adults often seek to enhance symmetry, add volume, or achieve a glossy, glamorous effect. In such cases, small amounts of hyaluronic acid are ideal to create a natural look. However, it’s important to avoid overfilling, which can lead to unnatural results. The focus should always be on subtlety for a balanced aesthetic. Techniques such as Russian lips are commonly used in this age group.

In your Thirties (ages 30–39) and Lip Injections

In your thirties, the early signs of aging begin to appear, albeit subtly. Collagen and elastin production—two proteins that help maintain skin’s firmness and elasticity—starts to decline, sometimes leading to volume loss in the lips.
Injections at this stage are often more about preserving volume than enhancing it. Fresh up techniques are commonly requested.

Forties and beyond (age 40+) and Lip Injections

In your forties and beyond, the lips may lose elasticity and fine lines can appear around the mouth. Hyaluronic acid injections can restore lost volume and soften wrinkles around the lips. At this age, the goal is typically to rejuvenate the lower face while maintaining a natural appearance. For volume enhancement, the most popular technique is Brazilian Hug Lips.

Precautions to take depending on age

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

1. 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.

2. For ages 30-40

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.

3. For ages 40 and up

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

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

LinkedIn

Menu