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 plump, well-defined lips is an element of attractiveness. There are lip beauty standards.
  • Enhancement of the natural lip contours : injections can shape the lip contours, providing a subtle but impactful definition : the lip contouring technique.
  • Anti-aging effect : with aging, the lips lose volume and wrinkles appear around the mouth, the lip wrinkles or barcode lines. Injections of hyaluronic acid, the medium peel and the ablative laser 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.

From what age is it ideal to start 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 teenagers, except in specific cases such as congenital abnormalities (severe asymmetry, malformations). However, even in these situations, it is preferable to wait until adulthood to avoid premature facial modifications.

Young adults (ages 18–25) and Lip Injections

It is often in this age group that people begin to consider their first lip injections. Young adults may wish to improve the symmetry of their lips, enhance their volume or simply obtain a more glamorous appearance, the gloss effect of the lips. In this case, using small doses of hyaluronic acid is ideal to achieve a natural result.
Young women and men must, however, be aware of the risks of injecting excessive quantities, which can cause an artificial effect. It is essential to aim for subtlety to achieve harmonious results. Several techniques can be performed, including the Russian lips technique.

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

From the age of forty, the lips begin to lose elasticity and fine lines can 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 appearance of the face while maintaining a natural look. For volume augmentation, the most commonly used technique is the 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)
Choosing an experienced doctor : it is crucial to choose a trained and experienced doctor to achieve pretty and natural results without taking risks.
Respecting proportions : at this age, it is often recommended not to overdo injections. Too much volume could create an imbalance in the face and alter the natural harmony of the features.
Avoiding short-lived trends : very plump lips, on the edge of natural, may be fashionable, but it is important to keep in mind that beauty and trends change. Opting for subtle results helps avoid regretting the outcome.

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 injections for the lips are generally safe, they are not without risks. It is important to be aware of the potential side effects before getting started.

Immediate risks

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

Long-term risks

  • If performed poorly, the injections can cause lumps or asymmetries and completely distort the lips.
  • Injecting excessive quantities can lead to unnatural results and alter the proportions of the face.
  • 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 is no perfect age to start lip injections, but it is generally advised to wait at least until the age of 18. After that, everything 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 an experienced doctor and aim for a harmonious and natural result.
If you are interested in lip injections in Geneva, Dr Romano welcomes you to her practice to assess your needs and offer you 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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