Does lip filler go into your bloodstream?

Author: Prof. Woodrow Zboncak  |  Last update: Tuesday, October 7, 2025

Although less common, there's a risk that the facial filler material might enter the bloodstream and travel to vital organs such as the brain, heart, or lungs. In these locations, it can cause an embolism—a blockage that may trigger life-threatening conditions like a stroke or heart attack.

Does lip fillers enter the bloodstream?

The most serious risk associated with dermal fillers is accidental injection into a blood vessel. Filler that enters a blood vessel can cause skin necrosis (death of tissue), stroke, or blindness.

Does your body absorb lip fillers?

MYTH #2: Lip filler is permanent and cannot be reversed

Most commonly used lip fillers consist of hyaluronic acid, which is a substance that occurs naturally in the body and is gradually absorbed over time. This means that the plumping effects of lip filler will fade with time, typically within about twelve months.

Does your body metabolize lip filler?

Dermal fillers are made of hyaluronic acid (HA), or sugar molecules, naturally found in the skin. These molecules are responsible for water absorption and keeping the skin plump. But because HA is a sugar molecule, we metabolize it or break it down over time.

Where does lip filler go in the body?

Your healthcare provider will then use a thin needle to inject lip filler into any or all parts of your lips, including the edges of your lips (vermillion border), the curve in the center of your upper lip (Cupid's bow) and your oral commissures (corners of your mouth).

👄 THE REAL DANGERS of LIP FILLER 👄 // Lip Fillers

How long does lip filler stay in your body?

Injection fillers last about 6 months to a year at most.

Your body naturally metabolizes the hyaluronic acid we use. That means injection fillers will fade slowly over time, usually after no longer than a year for most people. You'll need to have regular appointments to maintain your new pout.

What is the safest lip filler?

Hyaluronic Acid fillers are considered to be the best lip fillers for most patients because they are temporary and not permanent, making them a safe and reversible option. Additionally, HA fillers offer a smoother and more natural-looking result.

Does lip filler dissolve into your body?

"Our bodies have a natural enzyme, hyaluronidase, that breaks down our body's own hyaluronic acid, and therefore, any HA used as a filler will naturally be degraded by this same enzyme," said Dr. Dickie. "That usually takes 8 to 18 months, depending on the type of filler.

Do dermal fillers show up on MRI?

Findings: A study of 33 patients using magnetic resonance imaging revealed evidence of HA filler in the mid-face lasting from 2 to 15 years. All patients showed HA presence, even after 2 years without injections. Different MRI depths of filler were observed, with 84.47% confidence in readings.

What is forbidden after lip filler?

Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol. Try not to touch your lips following lip filler injections. Don't drink with a straw. Avoid kissing or massaging your lips directly.

How does lip filler leave the body?

Because dermal fillers are made of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring skin compound, they are naturally dissolved by your body over a period of 6 – 18 months. This process uses a compound called hyaluronidase.

What is a pillow face?

“Pillow face” occurs when too much filler is injected into areas like the cheeks, nasolabial folds (the lines from your nose to the corners of your mouth), lips, and under-eye area. This repeated overfilling can result in a bloated, round appearance that looks far from natural.

Where not to inject lip fillers?

Be Aware of Danger Zones: Areas such as the lateral lip area, lip liner, philtrum columns, orbicularis oris muscle, and the septum between the nose and upper lip are high-risk zones. Injecting fillers in these areas can lead to complications like vascular occlusion.

Does your body absorb lip filler?

Truth: HA lip filler injections should not have any long-term effect on your lips if appropriately performed. Hyaluronic acid naturally occurs in the body and will be slowly absorbed in the months following your procedure, resulting in the same lips you had before.

How deep are the arteries in your lips?

Labial Arteries: Depth

The depth of the superior labial artery in the upper lip was 5.6 ± 1.3 mm (5.9 ± 1.5 mm vs 5.3 ± 1.1 mm in females; P = 0.011), whereas the depth of the inferior labial artery in the lower lip was 5.2 ± 1.4 mm (5.6 ± 1.4 mm in males vs 4.9 ± 1.5 mm in females; P = 0.013).

Can you get sepsis from lip filler?

RSPH research found that based on a national survey of people who had at least one special procedure in the previous five years, of those who reported having had a negative side effect, a staggering one in ten required medical treatment, and one in five people are still at very real risk of sepsis and other ...

What happens to lip fillers over time?

Lip fillers are not permanent. The lip fillers used in your lips have a shelf life of approximately six to twelve months, however, the lip area is in constant movement, and in a short period, you may need to have them replenished depending on your desired results.

Which fillers last 2 to 5 years?

How Long Dermal Fillers Last
  • Juvederm Voluma: Up to 24 months, but touch-ups may be needed at 12 months to boost longevity.
  • Voluma: About 12 months.
  • Restylane Silk: Between six and 12 months.
  • Radiesse: About 12 months.
  • Bellafill: May last up to five years.
  • Sculptra: May last more than two years.

Does fillers ever fully go away?

Yes, fillers can stay in your face for years. In fact, filler persisting for years is the norm in most cases. Some hyaluronic acids fillers are licensed to last up to two years now, although it often persists for even longer than this.

How safe are lip fillers?

Severe complications from dermal fillers are uncommon. Potential risks vary depending on the specific filler used and the relative permanence of the filler substance and include: Acne-like skin eruptions. Asymmetry.

Why is everyone dissolving fillers?

AGEING & FACIAL CHANGES: As people age, their facial structure changes, which can make previously placed fillers look unnatural or misplaced. Dissolving fillers allows for a fresh start, accommodating the natural ageing process more gracefully.

How to tell if someone has lip fillers?

Signs Someone Has Lip Fillers
  1. Enlarged, fuller lips compared to the rest of the facial features.
  2. Altered Cupid's bow shape, with a smudged or indistinct upper lip border.
  3. Visible swelling or bruising shortly after injections.
  4. Noticeable lumps or bumps in the lips from uneven filler placement.

What lip fillers do Kardashians use?

Kardashian Lip fillers: Juvederm Ultra Plus:
  • Juvederm Ultra: Primarily addresses wrinkles around the mouth corners.
  • Juvederm Ultra Plus: Targets deeper lines between the upper lip and nose.
  • Restylane Lyft: Focuses on fine lines around the mouth's edges.

Is lip filler safer than Botox?

Both lip fillers and Botox are safe treatment options, and they last a long time and gives the best results when done by an expert in the field like Dr. Virpal Thiara and the team of Haven Medspa.

How much is one syringe of lip fillers?

For most people, the total lip filler costs, on average, between $500 and $1500. Here are some of the average costs for different types of lip fillers: Juvederm hyaluronic acid fillers: between $400 and $700 per syringe. Bellafill collagen fillers: up to $1000 for one syringe.

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