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 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 : 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 laser help 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 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 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 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 ?

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.

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

C’est souvent dans cette tranche d’âge que l’on commence à envisager les premières injections des lèvres. Les jeunes adultes peuvent souhaiter améliorer la symétrie de leurs lèvres, accentuer leur volume ou simplement obtenir une apparence plus glamour, lip gloss effect. Dans ce cas, l’utilisation de petites doses d’acide hyaluronique est idéale pour obtenir un résultat naturel.
Les jeunes femmes et hommes doivent toutefois être conscients des risques de l’injection de quantités excessives, qui peuvent causer un effet artificiel. Il est essentiel de viser la subtilité pour des résultats harmonieux. Plusieurs techniques peuvent être réalisées, notamment la technique du Russian lips.

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

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)
Choisir un médecin expérimenté : il est crucial de choisir un médecin formé et expérimenté pour des résultats jolis et naturels sans prise de risques.
Respect proportions : at this age, it is generally recommended not to overdo the injections. Too much volume could create an imbalance in the face and alter the natural harmony of the features.
Avoid short-lived trends : very plump lips, bordering on unnatural, may be fashionable, but it’s important to remember that beauty ideals and trends change over time. Choosing subtle, balanced results helps avoid future regret.

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

Bien que les injections d’acide hyaluronique pour les lèvres soient généralement sûres, elles ne sont pas sans risques. Il est important d’être conscient des effets secondaires potentiels avant de se lancer.

Immediate risks

  • Redness, swelling, and temporary 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.
  • L’injection de quantités excessives peut entraîner des résultats peu naturels et altérer les proportions du visage.
  • 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 ?

Il n’existe pas d’âge parfait pour commencer des injections des lèvres, mais il est généralement conseillé d’attendre au moins l’âge de 18 ans. Ensuite, tout dépend des besoins individuels et des objectifs esthétiques. Que ce soit pour améliorer la symétrie des lèvres à 20 ans ou pour restaurer le volume perdu à 40 ans, l’important est de toujours consulter un médecin expérimenté et viser un résultat harmonieux et naturel.
If you are interested in lip injections in GenevaDr Romano welcomes you to his practice to assess your needs and propose a personalised 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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