Pregnant and Considering Lip Fillers? Read This First
When you’re pregnant, your body goes through so much, from hormonal shifts to weight fluctuations — even your skin and lips can change. It's totally natural to think: How do I still feel like me? If you've been thinking about lip fillers, you're not the only one. We get this question a lot: "Can I get lip injections while I'm pregnant?'
The short answer is that while lip fillers may seem like a quick fix, it's generally not recommended to get any cosmetic procedures done during pregnancy. At the end of the day, your and your baby’s health should be the top priority. So, let's talk about it. We'll go through why, based on medical advice and Health Canada's guidelines, getting lip fillers during pregnancy is generally a no-go. Plus, we'll find some safe, practical things you can do to feel great during this time.
Understanding Lip Fillers
Lip fillers are usually made with hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance (“naturally occurring,” meaning your body already makes it!) that gives your skin a plump, dewy look.
The process is fairly simple: A trained professional uses a small needle to inject the filler into your lips. You might feel a slight pinch or pressure, but it's usually over pretty quickly. Some clinics use a numbing cream to make it even more comfortable. The result? Fuller, more defined lips that can last for several months.
Just make sure the clinic uses brands that are Health Canada-approved. That's really your guarantee that it's safe and effective. Some well-known approved brands you might come across are Juvéderm, Restylane, Belotero, and Teosyal.
Can you get lip fillers while pregnant?
When it comes to lip fillers and pregnancy, the general recommendation is a firm “no.” There just hasn't been enough research done on how lip fillers, especially hyaluronic acid, affect pregnancy.
Doctors and other health professionals follow the “precautionary principle” — if we don’t know for sure if something’s safe, it’s better to avoid it during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Even after pregnancy, it’s generally recommended to wait until your body’s fully recovered before undergoing any cosmetic procedures.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
Lip fillers are considered a low-risk procedure overall, but there are still some potential side effects you should know about:
Bruising
Swelling
Redness
Infection and allergic reactions, while rare, can occur, even in patients who aren't pregnant.
During pregnancy, your body’s working overtime, and adding any kind of foreign substance could increase your and your baby’s risk of side effects. Not to mention the effects on your immune system — it's just better to play it safe.
Something else to consider is how pregnancy-related bodily changes might affect the fillers. For example, your lips may get fuller naturally due to hormonal shifts.
And, since we’re on the topic, a quick word about Botox. You may have heard people talk about getting Botox while pregnant. Like with lip fillers, it's generally not recommended to get Botox during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Again, it's about playing it safe because we don't have enough research to say it's completely harmless for your baby.
Expert Recommendations and Alternatives
Just because lip fillers are a no-go doesn't mean you can't still feel confident and beautiful during your pregnancy.
There are tons of safe and practical alternatives you can try. For starters, a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables can work wonders for your skin’s natural glow.
Staying hydrated is also key — your skin and lips will definitely thank you. If you're having trouble keeping up with your water intake, consider getting a tracking tumbler or smart water bottle. You can even add a few slices of fruit if plain water isn't cutting it for you.
A good skincare routine can make a big difference. Look for gentle, hydrating products that are pregnancy-safe. Applying a hyaluronic acid-based lip balm at least three times a day can help nourish and smooth your lips, giving them a natural plumpness.
You can also play around with some natural makeup tips. A little lip liner and a moisturizing lip balm, like Routine Botanic Serum Lip Balm, can define your lips without any injections. (Just look at Pamela Anderson — she’s going makeup-free on the red carpet and looking stunning!)
The Bottom Line
While lip fillers are considered a relatively safe cosmetic procedure, the lack of research on their effects during pregnancy makes them a risky choice. Your priority should be keeping you and your baby as healthy as possible.
Instead, focus on nurturing your body and embracing the natural changes happening. Then, once your baby arrives and you've had some time to adjust, we'd love to chat about your cosmetic goals. If you're still interested in lip fillers or other treatments, we're here to provide personalized advice and create a plan that's right for you.
Schedule a post-pregnancy consultation with PHI Medical Aesthetics to discuss your options for lip fillers and other cosmetic procedures. Let's work together to help you feel confident and beautiful, both now and in the future.
