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Pregnancy is a transformative time physically, emotionally, and hormonally. For many women, the months leading up to childbirth come with a heightened focus on health and wellness, as every decision seems to carry more weight. Amid all the adjustments, a common question comes up: can you get lip filler while pregnant? Whether you’ve had lip filler before or are considering them for the first time, it’s important to understand the implications of elective cosmetic procedures during pregnancy. Here’s what you need to know.
What Are Lip Fillers?
Lip fillers are a type of injectable designed to enhance the shape, volume, and structure of the lips. The most common type of lip filler is made with hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the body that attracts moisture and adds plumpness. Popular brands include Juvederm and Restylane, which have both become household names in the beauty world.
When performed by a licensed medical professional, lip fillers are generally considered low-risk and can provide subtle to dramatic results depending on your preference. The treatment typically takes under an hour and may involve mild swelling or bruising afterward. However, this is a non-essential cosmetic procedure and that distinction becomes important when you’re pregnant.
How Can Lip Fillers Affect Pregnant Women?
Here’s where things get murky. The question “Can you get lip filler while pregnant?” doesn’t have a straightforward yes or no answer from the scientific community, largely because there haven’t been sufficient studies to determine safety during pregnancy.
“Dermal fillers (including brands like Juvederm and Restylane) haven’t been studied in pregnant women, so there’s no data confirming they’re safe for your baby,” says Nicole Devincentis, Glowtox founder, MPA, PA, and board-certified physician assistant. “Without clear evidence, it’s simply not worth the risk.”
Additionally, there’s always a potential for adverse events with fillers, such as a vascular occlusion, which would require immediate treatment with a series of medications. This could further compromise the safety of your pregnancy and potentially put the fetus at risk.
If you’re looking for aesthetic treatments during this time, facials are your safest and most recommended option.
In short, while lip fillers may seem harmless, the absence of clinical data in pregnant populations means their use is based on assumption, not evidence. And when it comes to growing a human life, assumptions aren’t enough.
Potential Risks of Lip Filler While Pregnant
Even in non-pregnant patients, lip filler carries some inherent risks. These include:
- Swelling and Bruising: Usually mild, but in some cases, can become significant and uncomfortable
- Allergic Reactions: Rare but possible, especially if the filler contains any preservatives or additional compounds
- Infection: Any injection into the skin carries a small risk of infection
- Vascular Occlusion: A serious complication where filler accidentally enters a blood vessel, potentially blocking blood flow to surrounding tissues
In a non-pregnant individual, these risks are typically managed with medication, dissolving agents like hyaluronidase, or additional procedures. But during pregnancy, treating complications becomes more complex. The medications needed to resolve adverse reactions may not be considered safe for fetal development, posing a potential threat not only to the mother but also to the unborn baby.
In the absence of any emergency, even the stress response of the body, inflammation, cortisol spikes, and systemic reactions, could have unpredictable effects during this sensitive time.
Pregnancy-Safe Procedures
While lip fillers are best postponed until after your pregnancy (and ideally, after breastfeeding as well), that doesn’t mean you need to forego all aesthetic self-care. In fact, many dermatologists and estheticians recommend shifting the focus from injectables to gentle, pregnancy-safe alternatives that still leave you feeling refreshed and glowing.
Here are some options:
- Facials: Opt for hydrating or brightening facials using pregnancy-safe ingredients like vitamin C and hyaluronic acid (in topical form)
- Lymphatic Drainage Massage: Helps with swelling and puffiness, especially in the face
- Microdermabrasion (with caution): Light exfoliating treatments can be safe, but always disclose your pregnancy to your provider
- Oxygen Facials: These offer hydration and plumping benefits without the use of injectables or harsh chemicals
It’s also worth noting that your skin can behave very differently during pregnancy due to hormone fluctuations. This makes it even more important to consult with a knowledgeable provider who can tailor treatments to your changing needs.
Post-Pregnancy Beauty Plans
If you’ve put lip filler on pause during pregnancy, know that it’s not a permanent goodbye. Once you’ve delivered your baby and completed the breastfeeding period (if you choose to breastfeed), you can revisit the idea with your provider.
Many women find that the “postpartum aesthetic reset” is actually a meaningful time to reassess their beauty goals, whether it’s restarting injectables, trying new treatments, or simply embracing a new phase of self-care.
With no safety data available and the potential for complications that could impact both you and your baby, the responsible choice is to wait. Lip fillers can offer beautiful results, but your pregnancy is not the time to take unnecessary risks.
