Lip Injections: Safe Natural Looking Enhancements
- Face First Medical Aesthetics & Wellness
- May 16
- 6 min read
As a Nurse Practitioner at Face First Medical Aesthetics & Wellness, one of the most rewarding parts of my role is helping patients feel more confident in their appearance, in ways that are subtle, safe, and aligned with their natural beauty. One of the most popular and transformative treatments we offer is lip injections, often also called lip fillers.
There’s a lot of information out there, and just as much misinformation. This blog is designed to help you understand what lip injections actually are, how they work, how we perform them safely, as well as, what to expect from the experience.
What Are Lip Injections?
Lip injections are a non-surgical aesthetic procedure that uses hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers to add volume, shape, and definition to the lips. The goal can vary from patient to patient. Some want a fuller pout, others want to restore volume lost due to aging, and many simply want to correct asymmetry or define their lip borders more clearly.
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a substance that your body naturally produces. It's found in your skin, connective tissue, and eyes, and it plays a critical role in maintaining hydration and elasticity. When used as a filler, HA is cross-linked to create a gel-like material that can be safely injected under the skin.
In the lips, this filler works by:
Restoring or enhancing volume
Improving proportion and symmetry
Defining the vermillion border (the outline of your lips)
Softening vertical lip lines, sometimes called “barcode lines” or “smoker’s lines”
Enhancing the Cupid’s bow, the natural curve at the top center of the upper lip
Because HA is biocompatible and temporary, it is widely considered the safest and most adaptable option for lip enhancement.
A Look at the History of Lip Enhancement
The desire to enhance lip fullness goes back over a century, but early methods were often unsafe or unpredictable.
1900s: Paraffin wax injections were tried and quickly abandoned due to serious complications.
1950s–70s: Silicone injections gained popularity but were eventually banned or heavily restricted due to chronic side effects.
1980s–90s: Collagen derived from animals or human sources became more common but often triggered allergic reactions and required frequent maintenance.
Early 2000s to today: The introduction of hyaluronic acid-based fillers such as Restylane® and Juvéderm® changed the landscape completely. These products were not only safer and more predictable but also fully reversible and naturally metabolized by the body.
Today, HA fillers are used not only for lip enhancement but also for smoothing facial lines, restoring volume, contouring facial features, and improving hydration from within.
Types of Lip Filler Products Used at Face First Medical Aesthetics & Wellness
At Face First Medical Aesthetics & Wellness, we proudly offer a carefully selected portfolio of Health Canada–approved lip fillers. Each has been chosen based on its safety profile, tissue compatibility, longevity, and ability to create natural results. These include:
Teosyal®
A Swiss-made filler renowned for its softness and integration with tissue. Ideal for patients seeking a natural, hydrated look. It’s particularly good for defining shape and improving hydration.
Restylane®
One of the first HA filler lines, Restylane is firm enough for structure but soft enough for natural movement. It’s often used for defining the vermillion border and correcting asymmetry.
Revanesse®
A Canadian brand known for minimal swelling and excellent lift. It’s a popular choice for patients who are new to lip fillers or want subtle enhancement with minimal downtime.
Saypha®
A European filler brand with advanced cross-linking technology for stability and smooth texture. It offers great shape retention and is ideal for both volume and definition.
Each filler has different consistencies, and choosing the right one depends on your anatomy, goals, and lifestyle. During your consultation, we’ll discuss which filler best suits your needs. Book your free consultation!
What’s the Difference Between Lip Fillers and Other Lip Enhancement Methods?
While lip injections using HA are the most common and safest approach, there are other methods available:
Lip Implants
Permanent silicone implants are surgically inserted into the lips. While long-lasting, they tend to look and feel less natural and carry higher risks, including displacement and infection.
Fat Transfer (Fat Grafting)
Involves removing fat from another part of your body and injecting it into the lips. This is more invasive and less predictable, with some fat often being reabsorbed by the body.
Topical Plumping Products
These temporarily swell the lips by irritating the skin surface. Results are very short-lived (minutes to hours) and don’t create any structural change.
Compared to these options, hyaluronic acid fillers offer the best combination of safety, versatility, and reversibility.
What Is the Lip Injection Process Like?
At Face First Medical Aesthetics & Wellness, every step of your treatment is designed for comfort, clarity, and confidence.
Step 1: Comprehensive Consultation
This is where we begin. We take the time to understand your goals, assess your facial anatomy, and discuss realistic outcomes. We’ll go over your medical history to ensure you’re a suitable candidate and answer any questions you may have. You’ll leave this consultation with a clear plan tailored specifically to you.
Step 2: Preparation
Before the injections, we apply a topical anesthetic to numb the lips. Most HA fillers also contain lidocaine, a mild local anesthetic that minimizes discomfort during the procedure.
Step 3: Precise Injection
Using either a very fine needle or a microcannula (which reduces trauma and bruising), your practitioner will carefully inject the filler into specific areas based on the plan you discussed. This part of the treatment typically takes 15 to 30 minutes.
Step 4: Aftercare
You’ll receive personalized aftercare instructions, including:
Applying cold compresses to reduce swelling
Avoiding makeup and excessive lip movement for 24 hours
Avoiding alcohol, exercise, and heat exposure for 24 to 48 hours
Using arnica or bromelain supplements (if desired) to reduce bruising
Mild swelling, tenderness, and occasional bruising are completely normal and usually resolve within a few days. Full results settle in within one to two weeks.
Step 5: Follow-Up
We encourage a follow-up appointment after two weeks to assess your results. This also gives us a chance to make any refinements or answer additional questions.
How Long Do Lip Fillers Last?
Most hyaluronic acid lip fillers last 6 to 12 months, though individual results vary depending on:
Your metabolism
The filler used
How much was injected
Lifestyle factors (smoking, sun exposure, and exercise can shorten longevity)
We recommend touch-ups every 6 to 9 months for consistent results. The nice thing about HA fillers is that you can build gradually. Some clients prefer to start with a small amount and add more over time.
What Are the Risks? How Safe Are Lip Injections?
When performed by a licensed medical professional using high-quality products, lip fillers are very safe. However, as with any injection, there are risks, including:
Swelling or bruising
Lumps or asymmetry
Vascular occlusion (extremely rare but serious — this is why training matters)
At Face First, your safety is our highest priority. We use:
Only Health Canada–approved fillers
Sterile, clinical-grade equipment
Emergency protocols, including hyaluronidase to dissolve filler if needed
Anatomic knowledge and advanced training to avoid blood vessels and minimize complications
We strongly advise never receiving injections at non-medical facilities or by unlicensed providers, no matter how appealing the price may be. The cost of correction far exceeds the cost of safe care.
Common Misconceptions About Lip Fillers
Let’s address a few myths:
“They always look fake.”
Only when overdone. A well-performed lip injection should look completely natural. We specialize in subtle, balanced enhancements.
“Filler stretches out your lips permanently.”
No, your lips return to their original shape as the product is metabolized.
“Only young people get lip fillers.”
We treat adults of all ages. Many patients in their 40s to 70s use fillers to restore volume and improve lip definition—not to dramatically change their look.
“The results last forever.”
HA fillers are temporary. Maintenance is recommended every 6–12 months depending on your goals.
“It’s very painful.”
Most patients describe only mild discomfort, thanks to numbing and gentle injection techniques.
The Face First Medical Aesthetics & Wellness Approach: Why Clients Trust Us
At Face First Medical Aesthetics & Wellness, we take a holistic, patient-first approach to aesthetics. Our team of medical professionals offers:
Personalized treatment plans
Medical-grade safety and hygiene
Ethical, evidence-based practice
A commitment to natural-looking outcomes
We understand that your appearance is personal and that trust is essential. That’s why we always prioritize your comfort, safety, and satisfaction above all.
Ready to Explore Lip Enhancement?
If you're considering lip injections in Orillia, Simcoe and Muskoka County, and surrounding areas, we invite you to book a consultation with our team of experienced professionals. Whether you’re looking for subtle volume or rejuvenation, we’re here to help you look and feel like the best version of yourself.
Your face is the first thing the world sees. Trust it to the professionals at Face First Medical Aesthetics & Wellness. Learn more about lip filler injections.
Book Your Lip Injection Consultation Today
Ready for a refreshing boost and fresh look?
Whether you're looking to add subtle volume, restore youthful shape, or enhance your natural lip contour, lip injections can help you achieve soft, balanced results with minimal downtime.
Book your personalized consultation today and discover which product (Teosyal®, Restylane®, Revanesse®, Saypha®) is the best fit for your goals and facial anatomy.
Our expert team at Face First Medical Aesthetics & Wellness is dedicated to helping you feel confident, refreshed, and empowered with advanced, personalized care. Whether you're exploring injections for the first time or maintaining your results, we're here to guide you every step of the way.
Phone: 705-418-2903
