Lip augmentation is one of the most common and historic procedures for hyaluronic acid-based injectable fillers. It would surprise many then to find out that despite its popularity and common usage, few of these injectable fillers are actually FDA-approved for use in the lips. There are a variety of reasons for this lack of approval but safety and effectiveness are not among them.
On October 1, 2015 the US FDA has approved Juvederm Ultra XC for injection into the lips and perioral (mouth) area for aesthetic augmentation in adults. Juvederm Ultra XC and Juvederm Ultra Plus XC injectable fillers are already FDA-approved for injection for moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds around the nose and mouth. (nasolabial folds) Juvederm Ultra XC is a well known modified form of hyaluronic acid with prolonged duration (up to a year) that has lidocaine in it to improve the comfort of the treatment.
In FDA trials of Juvederm Ultra XC for lip augmentation, almost 80% of patients had visible improvement in lip fullness three months after injection. A near similar percent, (78%) stated that they had persistent improvement in lip size one year after injection. The most common adverse effects for Juvederm Ultra XC injectable filler are the same as other hyaluronic acid gels such as temporary swelling, redness and lumps and bumps.
What is unique about Juvederm Ultra XC injectable filler is that it offers long-term retention of lip augmentation results. Many hyaluronic acid-based injectable fillers are used for lip augmentation but their results often last six months or less.
Dr. Barry Eppley
Indianapolis, Indiana