Lip Fillers

The versatility of lip fillers is one of the reasons they are so popular at our Anchorage medical spa. Yes, lip injections can give your lips a more sensuous pout, but they can also improve lip symmetry, elevate the corners of the mouth, define the Cupid’s bow, and smooth lip lines and wrinkles. People looking for skilled lip filler injectors visit us from Wasilla, Palmer, and other Mat-Su Valley communities.

Which Filler Is Best for Lips?

At Plastic Surgeons of Alaska, our lip augmentation options range from subtle lip filler to more dramatic enhancement. We offer various fillers from the JUVÉDERM® family, such as:

  • JUVÉDERM VOLBELLA®: The FDA has approved this silky, thin gel specifically to augment the lips and minimize wrinkles around them—perfect for those looking for natural-looking lip filler.
  • JUVÉDERM Ultra XC: Because of its more delicate structure, Ultra XC creates a more pillowy appearance and is ideal for the precision needed for lip augmentation.
  • JUVÉDERM Ultra Plus XC: Ultra Plus XC is thicker than Ultra and used for age-related volume loss.

Like all JUVÉDERM fillers, these fillers are formulated with hyaluronic acid, a substance the body naturally produces. One of the benefits of HA fillers is that you can reverse them with enzyme injections (hyaluronidase) if you’re not happy with the results.

What Are Lip Fillers Used For?

Lip fillers can enhance the lips in a variety of ways, including:

  • Adding fullness to naturally thin lips
  • Plumping lips that have thinned and flattened with age
  • Defining lip borders to prevent lipstick from “bleeding”
  • Balancing the proportion of the top and bottom lips

You’ll see immediate results after getting lip fillers.

How Much Do Lip Fillers Cost in Anchorage?

The cost of lip injections with fillers depends on your specific needs. After discussing your concerns and goals and determining the number of syringes needed to accomplish them, we will provide a specific price quote during your consultation.

Lip Flip vs. Filler: Which Is Best for Me? 

A lip flip involves injecting BOTOX® into the muscles at the upper corners of the mouth, relaxing them, and allowing the lip to “flip” upward. This exposes more of the lip’s underside and makes it appear fuller. It takes a few days to see the results, and the BOTOX usually wears off after about 3 to 4 months.

A lip flip is a great option for those looking to enhance the shape of their upper lip without adding significant volume. It works well for individuals who want a subtle lift and definition but don’t need the fullness that lip fillers provide.

Lip Fillers vs Lip Flip infographic

Do Lip Injections Hurt?

Lips are sensitive, and patients often worry that the injections will be painful. We take steps to ensure minimal discomfort during the treatment by applying a numbing cream before the injections. Additionally, lip fillers (like most other fillers) are pre-mixed with a local anesthetic to minimize pain.

What Is Recovery Like After Lip Filler Injections?

Swelling and bruising from lip filler injections typically subside within the first week, and most patients can expect their lips to look “normal” at that time. While some minor swelling may linger for up to a week, the majority of the recovery is complete within the first few days. There’s no official downtime, so you can resume daily activities almost immediately after the procedure.

Optimizing Your Lip Filler Recovery

To facilitate smooth, easy healing after your lip filler appointment, we recommend you:

  • Gently apply an ice pack to the lips to minimize swelling and ease discomfort
  • Stop taking blood-thinning medications, such as aspirin or ibuprofren, a week before your appointment
  • Avoid touching or putting pressure on the lips to avoid displacing the filler
  • Keep your head elevated, especially when sleeping, for the first 24 to 48 hours
  • Follow all aftercare instructions

What NOT To Do After Lip Fillers

You should also avoid the following for the first day or two after lip injections:

  • Strenuous exercise
  • Hot or spicy food and drinks
  • Lipstick, lip balm, and lip gloss
  • Using a drinking straw
  • Kissing (more than a peck)
  • Exfoliating the lips
  • Excessive sun exposure

Lip Filler Results: How Long Do They Last? 

Lip fillers offer immediate results, giving you noticeably fuller lips right after the treatment. On average, the effects last between 6 to 12 months, depending on the type of filler used, your metabolism, and other factors.

Hyaluronic acid-based lip fillers are the most common and typically last around 9 months. However, they will gradually break down over time, and you’ll need touch-ups to maintain your look.

How Often Should You Get Lip Fillers?

Most people return for maintenance lip filler treatments every 6 to 12 months, but this timeframe can vary. If you want to keep your lips looking full, regular touch-ups are needed. However, it’s important to follow your injector’s advice to avoid overfilling and ensure a natural result.

If you’re curious about the process, recovery, or any other common questions people have about lip fillers, our team is here to help.

Lip Fillers vs Lip Flip infographic

Schedule a Consultation

Choosing an experienced injector is important to get the results you want. Our aesthetic nurses and nurse injectors take a conservative approach to ensure your lips won’t look overfilled. You can call us at (907) 563-2002 to schedule an appointment or request a consultation using the online form.

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