Legal disclaimer

This guide provides general, neutral information about cosmetic lip injections for adults aged 18 years and over and is not a substitute for personal medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.^{1 9}

Treatments using cosmetic injectables involve prescription-only substances and must be delivered within a regulated health-care framework under Australian law.^{3 4}

All wording is intended to align with current AHPRA advertising guidelines and TGA advertising guidance, without naming specific medicines, brands, or making claims of guaranteed outcomes.^{1 3}

1. Scope of this guide

This document covers cosmetic use of hyaluronic-acid-based injectable gels to the lips in adult patients, focusing on mechanism, expected outcomes, risks, aftercare, and governance.^{3 7}

It does not cover reconstructive or therapeutic indications, non-hyaluronic or permanent fillers, or any use during pregnancy or breastfeeding where additional caution and individual medical advice are required.^{2 9}

The content is written as patient education, not promotion, consistent with AHPRA and TGA expectations for information about regulated health services and cosmetic procedures.^{1 2}

2. What is lip filler?

2.1 Plain-language description

Lip filler is a cosmetic injectable treatment that uses hyaluronic acid gel to improve lip hydration, shape, definition and mild volume in suitable adults.^{3 4}

Hyaluronic acid is a sugar molecule naturally present in skin and connective tissues; when placed carefully into the lips, it binds water and can create a softer, more hydrated appearance.^{3 7}

Modern practice emphasises natural, proportionate enhancement, aiming to refine the border, Cupid’s bow and symmetry rather than create extreme or exaggerated volume.^{2 9}

2.2 Regulatory context in Australia

Most cosmetic injectable substances used for lip treatments are Schedule 4 (prescription-only) medicines and cannot be directly advertised as products to the public under TGA rules.^{3 5}

Clinics may provide information about cosmetic injection services but must avoid promoting specific prescription products, price specials, or inducements, and must follow both the National Law and TGA advertising framework.^{1 3}

Clinical pearl

Well-regulated clinics treat lip injections as a medical procedure with informed consent and risk management, not as a simple beauty treatment.^{7 9}

3. How does hyaluronic acid filler work in the lips?

3.1 Hydration and structure

Hyaluronic acid gel is injected into specific layers of the lip, where it binds water and supports the surrounding soft tissue, improving surface hydration and softness.^{3 7}

The type of gel and depth of placement can be adjusted to target border definition, subtle projection, or general plumpness without relying on large volumes.^{3 9}

Because the lips move constantly, practitioners usually choose softer, more flexible gels that allow natural movement when speaking, eating, and smiling.^{3 7}

3.2 Anatomy and technique

The lips contain muscle, mucosa, nerves and important blood vessels such as the superior and inferior labial arteries, so accurate anatomical knowledge is critical for safe injections.^{6 7}

A qualified prescriber and injector select appropriate techniques (needle or cannula), planes, and volumes based on individual lip shape, dental support, facial proportions, and medical history.^{2 9}

Clinical pearl

In most cases, a small volume placed in the correct layer gives a better and more natural result than a larger volume placed too superficially.^{7 9}

4. What results should patients expect?

4.1 Visual change

Patients typically notice smoother, more hydrated lips with improved border definition and a clearer Cupid’s bow.^{3 7}

The upper and lower lips may appear more balanced, and lipstick often sits more evenly with less feathering into fine lines around the mouth.^{3 8}

Lip filler is not designed to “perfect” the lips or erase all lines, but to soften and improve the appearance of volume loss and dryness while maintaining the patient’s overall facial identity.^{2 9}

4.2 Time course of results

Immediately after treatment, the lips often look fuller than intended because of normal swelling in this highly vascular tissue.^{6 8}

Swelling usually peaks in the first 24–72 hours and settles over several days; most patients see a more accurate reflection of the result at 1–2 weeks, with final integration at around 4 weeks.^{3 7}

4.3 Natural proportion and balance

Practitioners are encouraged by current guidance to tailor cosmetic procedures to age, anatomy and cultural background rather than chase uniform “template” lips.^{2 9}

Australian professional bodies emphasise realistic expectations and careful counselling, particularly for elective aesthetic procedures.^{9 10}

Clinical pearl

If the main impression is “better balance and hydration” rather than “much bigger lips”, the treatment is more likely to age well and stay within safe, ethical practice.^{7 9}

5. How long does lip filler last?

5.1 Typical duration

Hyaluronic acid lip filler is temporary and is gradually broken down and cleared by the body’s normal processes.^{3 7}

Most patients find that visible effects last around 6–9 months, although some will notice shorter or longer durations depending on individual factors.^{3 7}

5.2 Factors influencing longevity

Longevity is influenced by the type of gel used, the injection depth, the rich blood supply of the lips, metabolism, smoking, and levels of physical activity.^{3 7}

Because the lips move constantly and have strong circulation, filler in this area tends to break down faster than in less mobile regions like the cheeks or temples.^{3 7}

5.3 What happens when it wears off?

As the filler degrades, the added volume reduces gradually and the lips move back toward their previous appearance, without a sudden “collapse”.^{3 7}

Properly performed hyaluronic acid lip injections have not been shown to accelerate natural ageing beyond the underlying baseline process.^{7 9}

Clinical pearl

You are not “locked in” once you start; you can let the filler wear off and decide later whether to repeat treatment.^{3 9}

6. Is lip filler painful?

6.1 Sensation during treatment

The lips are highly sensitive and richly innervated, so some discomfort during injections is expected.^{7 8}

Most patients describe pressure, heat, or stinging rather than sharp continuous pain, and this is usually brief.^{3 7}

6.2 Comfort measures

Clinics typically use topical anaesthetic creams, ice, and hyaluronic acid gels that contain local anaesthetic to improve comfort.^{3 4}

In some settings, nerve blocks or additional local anaesthetic injections may be used if appropriate, within the practitioner’s training and scope.^{2 9}

6.3 After-treatment tenderness

Mild tenderness, tightness, or a bruised feeling is common for a few days and usually settles with simple measures such as cool compresses and suitable over-the-counter analgesia if recommended by the practitioner.^{7 8}

Clinical pearl

Brief, dull pressure is expected; sudden, severe or worsening pain, especially with colour change, is not and requires urgent review.^{3 6}

7. What are the risks and side effects of lip filler?

7.1 Common, expected effects

Common effects include swelling, bruising, temporary lumpiness, and mild tenderness around injection sites.^{6 7}

The lips often look asymmetrical in the first few days because swelling rarely appears evenly on both sides.^{3 7}

7.2 Less common problems

Less common issues include prolonged swelling, local inflammatory reactions, persistent nodules, or superficial ridges of filler that may require review or adjustment.^{3 7}

Cold sores (herpes simplex) may flare in susceptible individuals because any trauma to the lips can trigger a recurrence.^{3 4}

7.3 Serious but rare complications

Serious complications, though rare, include vascular compromise where filler blocks or compresses a blood vessel and reduces blood flow to the tissue.^{3 7}

Australian guidance expects clinics to have protocols, training, and medicines such as hyaluronidase available to manage these adverse events quickly and escalate care when required.^{2 7}

NSW Health also emphasises strict infection-control standards and appropriate handling of sharps and skin penetration instruments in any setting where the skin or mucosa is pierced.^{5 6}

Clinical pearl

Choosing a clinic that can clearly explain how they handle complications is just as important as liking their cosmetic “style”.^{2 7}

8. Who is a suitable candidate for lip filler?

8.1 Likely candidates

Lip filler may be considered for adults who want modest improvement in lip hydration, shape or symmetry and who understand that results are temporary and not perfect.^{2 9}

It can be appropriate for younger adults with naturally thin lips and for older adults with age-related volume loss, provided overall expectations remain realistic.^{9 10}

8.2 When treatment may be deferred or avoided

Treatment is usually avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding because of limited safety data and conservative regulatory guidance.^{3 4}

Lip injections are typically deferred if there is an active cold sore, local infection, or systemic illness that might increase risk.^{5 7}

8.3 Psychological and ethical aspects

AHPRA and professional bodies highlight the need for screening for unrealistic expectations, body image concerns, and external pressure when considering cosmetic procedures.^{2 9}

Practitioners are expected to decline or delay treatment when they believe a patient’s goals cannot be safely or ethically met.^{9 10}

Clinical pearl

Patients seeking refinement and confidence, not extreme change, generally have the best experience with cosmetic injectables.^{9 10}

9. What is recovery like and what aftercare is recommended?

9.1 Early recovery (first 72 hours)

Most people can resume light normal activities immediately, but visible swelling and occasional bruising are very common in the first two to three days.^{6 7}

The lips may feel tight, firm, or slightly uneven during this period, which usually improves as swelling resolves.^{3 7}

9.2 First 2–4 weeks

Over the first week, the filler softens and the lips begin to feel more natural, with most swelling settling by two weeks.^{7 8}

The final result is best judged at around four weeks, once tissues have fully recovered from injection and any early inflammation has resolved.^{7 8}

9.3 Typical aftercare advice

Common aftercare advice includes avoiding strenuous exercise, alcohol, very hot environments, and direct pressure on the lips for at least 24 hours after treatment.^{5 6}

Most clinics suggest waiting 12–24 hours before using lipstick or gloss to reduce infection risk and irritation of the injection sites.^{5 6}

Clinical pearl

Scheduling treatment at least two weeks before major social events provides time for bruising and swelling to settle and for any minor adjustments at review.^{7 8}

10. Common myths and misconceptions about lip filler

“Lip filler always looks fake”

Overly obvious results are usually due to excessive volume or poor planning, not an inevitable outcome of hyaluronic acid fillers.^{2 9}

“Lip filler permanently stretches the lips”

When used conservatively and appropriately, hyaluronic acid integrates temporarily and then degrades, and the lips generally return to their baseline appearance as the product wears off.^{3 7}

“Once you start lip filler you have to keep going forever”

There is no physical dependence; patients can stop at any time and simply allow the result to fade over months as the gel is metabolised.^{3 7}

“Dissolving filler ruins the lips”

Hyaluronidase is an enzyme used in medical practice to break down hyaluronic acid when needed, and, when used correctly, it targets the filler rather than normal tissue.^{3 5}

Clinical pearl

Clinics that are prepared to say “no” to unsafe requests and to dissolve unsatisfactory or migrated filler are usually more aligned with patient safety and regulatory expectations.^{2 9}

Sources

1. Ahpra (2024), Guidelines for advertising a regulated health service (Advertising hub – guidance document), Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency, viewed 2025, https://www.ahpra.gov.au/Resources/Advertising-hub/Advertising-guidelines-and-other-guidance.aspx. ↩
2. Ahpra (2025), Advertising higher-risk non-surgical cosmetic procedures – Cosmetic procedure advertising guidelines (Cosmetic surgery hub), Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency, viewed 2025, https://www.ahpra.gov.au/Resources/Cosmetic-surgery-hub/Cosmetic-procedure-advertising-guidelines.aspx. ↩
3. Therapeutic Goods Administration (2024), Advertising health services and cosmetic injections: Frequently asked questions and answers (V2.0 FAQ PDF), Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, viewed 2025, https://www.tga.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-04/advertising-health-services-cosmetic-injections-faqs.pdf. ↩
4. Therapeutic Goods Administration (2024), Advertising a health service – Cosmetic injection services (online guidance), Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, viewed 2025, https://www.tga.gov.au/products/regulations-all-products/advertising/specialised-advertising-issues-and-topics/advertising-health-services-and-cosmetic-injections. ↩
5. Therapeutic Goods Administration (2024), Referring to cosmetic injectables in advertising (media release, 7 March 2024), Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, viewed 2025, https://www.tga.gov.au/news/media-releases/referring-cosmetic-injectables-advertising. ↩
6. NSW Health (2025), Beauty, body art and skin penetration industries (fact sheet – Public Health Act 2010; Public Health Regulation 2022), NSW Government, viewed 2025, https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/factsheets/Pages/beauty-treatment.aspx. ↩
7. Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (2021), National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards – Second edition (standards PDF), ACSQHC, Sydney, viewed 2025, https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/sites/default/files/2021-05/national_safety_and_quality_health_service_nsqhs_standards_second_edition_-_updated_may_2021.pdf. ↩
8. Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (2021–2023), NSQHS Standards consumer fact sheets (Introduction to NSQHS Standards; Partnering with Consumers), ACSQHC, Sydney, viewed 2025, https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/standards/nsqhs-standards/partnering-consumers-standard. ↩
9. RACGP (2015, updated 2019), Registered medical practitioners who provide cosmetic medical and surgical procedures (submission to the Medical Board of Australia), Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, viewed 2025, https://www.racgp.org.au/FSDEDEV/media/documents/RACGP/Reports%20and%20submissions/2015/Registered-medical-practitioners-who-provide-cosmetic-medical-and-surgical-procedures.pdf. ↩
10. RACGP (2022), RACGP calls for greater regulation of cosmetic surgery (media release), Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, viewed 2025, https://www.racgp.org.au/gp-news/media-releases/2022-media-releases-1/april-2022/racgp-calls-for-greater-regulation-of-cosmetic-sur. ↩