What are lip fillers?
Lip fillers are a popular beauty treatment where hyaluronic acid is injected into the lips and the surrounding area to give a fuller look.
What are lip piercings?
Lip piercings include any piercing just above or below the lip line or passing through the fatty tissue, also called the 'vermilion.' Since lip piercings go through soft tissue, they are usually less painful than other piercings. However, they may swell more than cartilage piercings, with healing times usually lasting 2-3 months. The jewelry used for standard lip piercings (above or below the lip line and perpendicular to the face) is usually a stud as initial jewelry ('labret studs'), with a fixed flat disc on the inside of the mouth. The straight bar passes through the lip, and then the attachment (ball/disk/gem, etc.) is visible on the outside of the lip. Rings can be worn once the piercing is healed.
Lip Piercings (Traditional Placements)
Vertical and 'inverse' lip piercings go through the fatty tissue of the lip and are usually done with a curved bar. Vertical labret/vertical 'medusa' piercings typically have a curved bar with a ball at each end, while inverse vertical labret/inverse medusa piercings are usually done with a flat disk at the end that rests inside the mouth (curved labret stud) for comfort. Rings are uncommon in vertical or inverse piercings.
How do Lip Piercings and Fillers Affect Each Other?
Lip piercings that go through the skin around the lip and rest against the gums are generally less affected by fillers. During a filler appointment, however, a longer bar may be needed to accommodate swelling. In most cases, you can return to the usual size after 3-7 days. While these piercings are usually not significantly affected by fillers, uneven distribution may temporarily cause a shifted or tilted appearance. For vertical or inverted vertical lip piercings (where one end of the piercing goes through the vermilion of the lip), the effect of fillers is significant because the jewelry goes through the area that contains or will contain fillers. Here, the likelihood of the piercing appearing shifted or tilted is higher (though it returns to its original position after the filler has dissolved).
What should I do first - Piercings or Fillers?
If you are considering both fillers and a piercing, it is best to get the piercing first. Let it fully heal so your natural lips can adjust to a straight and centered piercing. After healing, you can discuss fillers with your beauty specialist. As mentioned earlier, use a longer bar for your piercings (the one you were pierced with is ideal) before your filler appointment. You can switch to the shorter bar once the swelling has subsided. Your piercing may temporarily appear tilted or off-center, but it will return to its original position as your lips settle.
If you have had fillers and want a piercing, I highly recommend waiting until the filler has dissipated (this can take up to a year) or having it dissolved by your beauty specialist. Let the piercing fully heal and then get your filler. As mentioned earlier, the piercing may appear tilted or off-center immediately after the filler procedure, requiring a longer bar, but it will return to normal as your lips settle.
If you have a piercing and want fillers, that's fine; just get your filler done. Be prepared for the piercing to need a longer bar and possibly appear tilted or off-center temporarily.
Conclusion
Getting piercings when you have fillers is perfectly safe. It is most advisable to get piercings before getting fillers, allowing the piercing to fully heal before the fillers are introduced. If you already have fillers, wait for them to dissolve (or have them dissolved) before getting pierced. Since fillers can cause localized swelling, it is best to use a longer stud - ideally the one you were pierced with - before your filler appointment, switching to a shorter bar once the swelling subsides. Lip piercings may be temporarily shifted or tilted due to fillers, but they will return to their usual position once the fillers have dissolved. You should never get pierced with fresh fillers or get fillers on fresh piercings. Your piercer/beauty specialist can provide more information and answer any questions you may have. Keep in mind that both piercings and lip fillers are temporary, so if you are not satisfied with either, they can be removed/dissolved.