Lip injections have become extremely popular in recent years, largely thanks to celebrities and social media influencers. They create fuller, better-defined lips and meet growing demand for facial aesthetics. However, a question often arises: from what age can you have lip injections ?
This article answers that question by addressing legal and medical aspects and offering personalised advice for people interested in this procedure. We also review precautions to take according to age to ensure optimal, safe results.
Why are lip injections popular?
Before discussing the ideal starting age, it is important to understand why lip injections are so popular. The face is often the first thing noticed about someone, and well-proportioned, hydrated lips can enhance the entire face.
- The appeal of lip symmetry: a symmetrical mouth with full, well-defined lips is an element of attractiveness. There are beauty standards for lips.
- Enhancing natural lip contours: injections define lip contours, adding subtle but impactful definition through lip contouring.
- Anti-ageing effect: with ageing, lips lose volume and wrinkles appear around the mouth, lip lines or barcode lines. Hyaluronic acid injections, a medium-depth peel and ablative laser rejuvenate the orbital area.
- Temporary but reversible results: hyaluronic acid injection results are temporary, and patients can choose not to repeat treatment.
What is the legal age for lip injections?
In Switzerland, as in many other countries, there is no legally fixed minimum age for lip injections, but it is generally recommended not to perform these procedures before 18. There are several reasons.
- Physical maturation: before adulthood, the body is still growing. Facial proportions are not always definitively established, and injections at a young age could interfere with long-term facial harmony.
- Informed decision: anyone considering injections must be able to make an informed decision, understanding benefits and risks. This is sometimes difficult for adolescents still influenced by social pressures or shifting aesthetic standards.
- Parental consent is mandatory: in Switzerland, parental consent is required for any aesthetic procedure on a minor. However, few practitioners accept minors for ethical reasons. Dr Romano does not perform aesthetic procedures on minors.
At what age are lip injections recommended? Doctors' views
Most doctors recommend waiting at least until the end of adolescence, namely 18, before considering lip injections. At this age, facial proportions are generally stable and the person is better able to understand the procedure's implications.
What is the ideal age to start lip injections?
Although the legal minimum age is important, there is no universal “ideal” age to start lip injections. It largely depends on personal goals and individual needs.
Adolescence (16 to 18) and lip injections
As mentioned, lip injections are rarely recommended for adolescents except in specific cases such as congenital abnormalities (severe asymmetry, malformations). Even then, waiting until adulthood is preferable to avoid premature facial changes.
Young adults (18 to 25) and lip injections
This is often when initial lip injections are considered. Young adults may wish to improve lip symmetry, increase volume or simply achieve a more glamorous appearance, a lip gloss effect. Small doses of hyaluronic acid are ideal for natural results.
However, young women and men should understand the risks of injecting excessive quantities, which can look artificial. Subtlety is essential for harmonious results. Several techniques are possible, including Russian lips.
Thirties (30 to 39) and lip injections
From the thirties, natural ageing becomes visible, although often very subtly. Collagen and elastin (proteins maintaining skin firmness and suppleness) decrease, potentially reducing lip volume.
Injections at this stage generally aim to prevent ageing signs rather than create volume: restoring volume lost over time. The Fresh up technique is often requested.
Forties and beyond (40+ years) and lip injections
From the forties, lips begin losing elasticity and fine lines may appear around the mouth. Hyaluronic acid injections restore lost volume while filling surrounding wrinkles. At this age, the goal is often to rejuvenate overall facial appearance while remaining natural. Brazilian Hug Lips is the most commonly used volume augmentation technique.
Precautions to take according to age
Whatever age lip injections begin, certain precautions are essential for safe, satisfactory results.
For young adults (18-25)
Choose an experienced doctor: selecting a trained, experienced doctor is crucial for attractive, natural results without taking risks.
Respect proportions: at this age, avoiding excessive injections is often recommended. Too much volume could unbalance the face and alter natural facial harmony.
Avoid passing trends: extremely full, barely natural lips may be fashionable, but beauty and trends change. Subtle results help avoid regret.
For people between 30 and 40
Maintain skin elasticity: from 30, skin begins losing elasticity, making good hydration and anti-ageing products alongside injections essential.
Adapt products to needs: the injected product (hyaluronic acid flexibility and cross-linking) must suit lip anatomy and the desired effect.
Do not neglect surrounding areas: lip injections sometimes need combining with treatments for developing surrounding wrinkles, such as nasolabial folds and marionette lines, for harmonious results.
For people aged 40 and over
Restore volume carefully: at this age, lip volume may decrease noticeably. However, expectations must remain realistic, without trying to recreate youthful lips through excessive doses. It is possible to maintain adolescent lip volume, but injections must begin in the thirties.
Prevent fine lines: injections can also prevent or treat fine lines around the lips. Fluid, hydrating hyaluronic acid is preferred.
Regular follow-up: injection effects fade over time, so maintenance sessions are needed to preserve results.
Potential risks and side effects of lip injections
Although hyaluronic acid lip injections are generally safe, they are not risk-free. Understanding potential side effects before proceeding is important.
Immediate risks
- Temporary redness, swelling and bruising at the injection site.
- Mild pain or discomfort.
- Hard, painful lips.
Long-term risks
- Poorly performed injections can cause lumps or asymmetry and completely distort lips.
- Injecting excessive quantities can look unnatural and alter facial proportions.
- Serious complications are extremely rare: infections and vascular occlusions with necrosis. They are often seen following clandestine injections by non-doctors.
When should you start lip injections?
There is no perfect age to start lip injections, but waiting until at least 18 is generally advised. After that, everything depends on individual needs and aesthetic goals. Whether improving lip symmetry at 20 or restoring lost volume at 40, always consulting an experienced doctor and aiming for harmonious, natural results is essential.
If you are interested in lip injections in Geneva, Dr Romano welcomes you to her practice to assess your needs and offer a personalised treatment plan considering your age and expectations.
