Lip size is often a concern for those looking to lose weight. Some people find that as their face loses fat, their lips appear smaller. This can be an undesirable effect for those who want to maintain their lip size and shape. So does weight loss actually reduce lip size? Or are there other factors at play?
The lips are composed of muscle, skin, and fat. The amount of fat in the lips contributes to their size and shape. When the face loses fat, it can affect the fullness of the lips. However, there are a few considerations regarding how much weight loss impacts lip size:
Amount of weight loss
The more weight that is lost, the greater the potential impact on lip size. Smaller amounts of weight loss are less likely to significantly affect lip size. Losing 5-10 pounds may not be noticeable, while losing 20+ pounds often has a visible effect on facial fat and lip fullness.
Rate of weight loss
Losing weight at a slow, steady pace allows the skin to adjust and retain elasticity. Rapid weight loss can decrease lip fullness more drastically as the skin doesn’t have time to adapt. Losing 1-2 pounds per week is a safer approach than losing 5+ pounds per week for preserving lip size.
Method of weight loss
How the weight is lost plays a role. Losing weight through diet alone versus diet plus exercise can impact where and how fast fat is lost. Spot reduction of fat through exercise is difficult, but building muscle tone beneath the skin may help counteract fat loss in the lips.
Individual variation
People store fat differently based on genetic factors. Some store more fat in their hips and thighs, while others accumulate more facial fat. The composition of the lips also varies, with more collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid leading to fuller lips. These differences affect how apparent weight loss is in the lips.
Changes in Lip Size and Shape with Weight Loss
As the face loses fat with weight loss, a number of changes can occur in the lips:
Decreased volume and fullness
This is the most common change, as the fatty tissue in and around the lips shrinks. The lips lose volume and may appear thinner, especially the upper lip. The vermilion border – where the lip meets the skin of the face – can also look less defined.
Loss of projection
The lips may lose their natural fullness and projection, appearing flatter against the face. This can be especially noticeable in profile.
Inverted shape
The upper lip, which tends to be fuller, may be more affected. This can lead to an inverted appearance as the lower lip looks fuller than the upper lip.
Wrinkles and fine lines
Lip wrinkles may become more noticeable, like vertical lines around the mouth and lip area.
Smile changes
A flatter upper lip can change the shape and appearance of the smile. There may be more visible gum and less tooth show.
Exaggerated perioral lines
Lines around the mouth, such as nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and smile lines, may look more pronounced due to volume loss.
Factors That Determine Lip Size Changes
Several factors play a key role in how much lip size changes with weight loss:
Baseline lip size and shape
Those with naturally fuller lips may see a more noticeable difference with fat loss. Thinner lips have less volume to lose.
Age
As we age, the lips lose collagen, elastin and fat, resulting in thinner lips over time. Weight loss accelerates this process. Younger people’s skin also has more elasticity and ability to regain shape.
Gender
Changes may be more pronounced in females, as women’s lips tend to be fuller than men’s. However, men can also experience lip thinning with weight loss.
Degree of facial fat prior to weight loss
Those who carry excess facial fat and have rounder faces tend to see greater lip size changes when losing weight. People with leaner faces have less facial fat to lose.
Genetics
Some people inherit lips that remain fuller despite fat loss due to collagen density, lip structure, and facial fat distribution.
Rate of fat loss in lips
Losing facial fat rapidly leads to greater volume loss in the lips. Slow, steady fat loss allows more adaptation and less noticeable thinning.
Hydration
Dehydration can enhance lip volume loss, while proper hydration helps maintain lip structure.
Can Lip Size be Maintained During Weight Loss?
While some reduction in lip size may be inevitable when losing facial fat, there are strategies that can help counteract thinning and preserve more volume:
Lose weight slowly through diet
Losing 1-2 pounds weekly through healthy eating allows lips to adjust better. Rapid fat loss shocks the system.
Stay hydrated
Drink at least eight glasses of water daily for hydration and decreased risk of lip volume loss.
Moisturize lips frequently
Use lip balms and moisturizers to hydrate lips and give the illusion of fullness. Look for products with hyaluronic acid.
Apply sun protection
SPF helps guard against collagen and elastin breakdown from UV light exposure.
Exfoliate lips
Gently exfoliate with lip scrubs 2-3 times per week to smooth lip texture.
Use lip plumpers/volumizers
Products with collagen or peptides can temporarily add fullness when used daily.
Get lip injections
Fillers like Juvederm and Restylane can increase lip volume for 6-12 months or longer. Seek an experienced injector.
Focus on skin care
Retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids, vitamin C, and antioxidants can help stimulate collagen for firmer skin.
Do facial exercises
Massage and exercises may help tone facial muscles underlying the lips.
Add definition with makeup
Use lip liners, lipsticks, and glosses to create the illusion of fuller lips. Light reflecting products add volume.
Consider a lip lift
This permanent surgical procedure reshapes the lips for added projection and definition.
Can Lip Size Be Regained After Weight Loss?
In some cases, it may be possible to regain some or all of the volume lost in the lips after weight loss:
Allow time for skin to tighten
Skin naturally retracts after weight loss. Allowing 6-12 months may restore some lip fullness.
Gain weight back slowly
Putting on a few pounds may return volume to the face and lips. Gradual weight gain allows adaptation.
Use radiofrequency (RF) treatments
RF uses heat to stimulate collagen. A series can help rebuild volume.
Try skin-tightening Ultherapy
This ultrasound treatment lifts and tightens skin. Results emerge over 2-3 months.
Get repeated injections
Hyaluronic acid fillers and collagen biostimulators can restore lost volume when regularly repeated.
Have fat grafted to lips
Transferring fat from elsewhere on your body can naturally re-plump lips. Results are relatively permanent.
Consider lip implants
Silicone lip implants permanently increase lip fullness. There’s a risk of shifting and unnatural feel.
How Much Can Lip Injections Increase Size?
Lip augmentation with fillers is a popular option for enhancing lip size and shape. But how much increase is realistic with injections?
20-40% increase is typical
Most patients see a subtle but appreciable boost in lip fullness in the 20-40% range.
Up to 70% increase is possible
In rare cases with very thin lips, injections can increase fullness up to 70% without appearing overdone.
Increase depends on filler amount
The more filler used, the greater the increase in lip size. But overfilling can cause an unnatural look.
Increase depends on lip size
Smaller lips show a greater percentage increase from injections. Larger lips require more filler for the same percentage gain.
Increase depends on filler type
Thicker, more viscous fillers tend to create more projection. Softer fillers plump lips in a subtler way.
Gradual increase is recommended
Many patients start slowly with a conservative first treatment, then add more filler over time.
Risks and Side Effects of Lip Injections
While lip fillers effectively augment lip size, the procedure does carry potential risks and side effects:
Bruising and swelling
Temporary bruising and swelling for a few days is common. Arnica creams can help minimize bruising.
Uneven results
Asymmetry can occur if filler is distributed unevenly. An experienced injector helps prevent unevenness.
Lumps and bumps
Poor injection technique can result in visible lumps or bumps. Proper filler placement reduces this risk.
Overfilled/fake look
Too much filler appears unnatural. Conservative amounts produce the best aesthetic outcome.
Allergic reaction
Allergies to ingredients like hyaluronic acid rarely occur. Check for allergy before injections.
Injection site infection
Infection is possible but very uncommon. Proper sanitation during injection prevents infection.
Nerve damage
Needle damage to nerves in the lip area is unlikely but can cause temporary or permanent numbness.
Vascular occlusion
Very rare but filler injection into an artery denying blood supply to the skin may cause tissue death.
Long term side effects
Chronic swelling and lumping of the lips can occur in some cases years later.
Non-Invasive Options for Lip Augmentation
People concerned about the risks of injectable fillers do have non-invasive options for enhancing lip volume:
Lip plumpers
Products with peptides or collagen-stimulating ingredients can temporarily increase fullness when used daily. Cinnamon, menthol, or ginger cause mild swelling that makes lips appear larger. Results last a few hours.
Makeup contouring
Using lip liners, color changes, and highlights/shadows can create the look of larger lips through visual illusion. Results last until makeup is removed.
Suction-based devices
Cups or small suction devices temporarily pull blood to the surface of the lips, increasing size for a few hours. Collagen stimulation is a proposed benefit.
Radiofrequency (RF) treatments
Heating lips with RF devices triggers collagen-building that adds gradual volume over weeks. Multiple sessions are required.
Microneedling
Using small needles to puncture the skin of the lips causes collagen regeneration. A series of treatments adds fullness over time.
LED light therapy
Exposing lips to red and/or infrared LED light may help boost circulation and collagen growth. Daily use for 4-8 weeks shows the best results.
How to Choose a Practitioner for Lip Injections
Choosing an experienced and qualified injector for lip filler is essential for safe, aesthetically pleasing results:
Pick a licensed provider
They should be a board-certified plastic surgeon, dermatologist or registered nurse. Their license should be checked and up to date.
Evaluate their experience
Ask how many lip filler procedures they have performed. Look at before/after photos of actual patients to assess their aesthetic style.
Review results and complications
Ask questions about their complication rate. Seek out reviews of actual patients describing their experiences.
Assess their evaluation process
Do they give each patient an individual assessment before recommending treatment? Or do they seem to give all patients “the look”?
Communicate your goals
Be sure your goals are understood. Show photos if you want a specific shape or size outcome.
Trust your instincts
If you do not sense a customized approach or have full trust, consider seeking another qualified injector for the best results.
Conclusion
For those seeking facial fat loss but want to preserve their lip size, a moderate, patient approach is best. Losing weight slowly and steadily through diet and exercise allows lips to gradually adjust to fat reduction. Proper skin hydration, using moisturizers, getting non-invasive collagen treatments, and protecting skin from sun damage help counteract thinning. For some, lip fillers done conservatively may offer the ideal solution. An experienced injector understands how to enhance lips in a way that looks and feels natural. While a reduction in lip size may occur for many with weight loss, there are now more methods than ever to minimize thinning and restore a youthful, smooth lip contour.