Latest figures show that lip fillers are becoming one of the most sort-after aesthetic treatments, so here is a summary of information about lip fillers or lip augmentation.

What are lip fillers?

Let’s start with what they’re not: they are not permanent. They last about three months to a year depending on how quickly your body breaks them down.

The type our medical team recommend are made of hyaluronic acid — a sugar, found naturally in the body, that adds temporary volume and definition when injected into lips.

Know Your Options

Over the last few years, the government has approved various hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers for lips. The new formulas are all similar in composition with slight variations in longevity and density, which can determine when and how they’re used.

Know what you are looking for

Your nurse should be able to assess the shape and size of your natural lip line and show you what the optimal ratio should be. Sometimes the filler will be used to even out and correct the shape of the lips there are ratios that are generally used in terms of proportion. Your own expectations should also be addressed and the amount of volume is discussed.

Correcting balance and shape

The lips can sometimes tend to be uneven with the top or bottom one thicker than they should be. To get a perfect pout the top lip should be one third and the bottom lip should be two thirds. Sometimes they are also larger on one side than the other and the lips are a little lopsided. Dermal filler can even this out

A quick breakdown of what is used:

Restylane and Restylane-L: Created for all over volume they’re the same basic formula, but Restylane-L is mixed with an anaesthetic called lidocaine
Restylane Silk: Suitable for more subtle enhancements because it contains smaller HA molecules)
Juvéderm Ultra XC: Higher density to give a plusher, pillowy effect and volume
Juvéderm Volbella XC: Refining the lip line (and treating fine lines around the mouth)
Insider Info: Training to administer the filler is a relatively short course but the real skill is developed over the years and improves with the more lips treated.

How to Ensure You’ll Love Your New Look

Do Your Research

The most important step in having a product injected in your lips is finding the right injector —Find a practitioner who concentrates in facial aesthetics and has tons of experience. Look for a reputable medical practice and ideally registered with the CQC.

Schedule a Consultation

During the initial meeting, you will review your medical history, discuss your goals and how you want your lips to look for example subtle definition, versus major volume.

You should also request to see before-and-after photos of previous patients and ask how often the practitioner does fillers.

If you need to wait to get an appointment don’t be put off as generally the experts treating lips daily will not have an appointment the next day. Also, don’t be rushed into the decision.

Don’t go for the cheapest

With most things in life, you get what you pay for. A higher price tag often means you’re paying for an injector’s experience. As for special offers, just Don’t be tempted. Offering services for a fee that seems too good to be true, could mean that your filler may have been cut with water or saline to cover the cost (meaning your fillers may not last or could come out uneven). It may also mean the practitioner is not as experienced.

Your Questions — Answered!

Q: How long does the procedure take?

Less than an hour. First, your injector will cleanse the area and apply a topical numbing cream which takes about 20 minutes to kick in have an effect. Then, the injections themselves take 15 to 20 minutes.

Q: Does it hurt?

When asked to describe the sensation, most people say it can be best described as an immediate pricking sensation, then uncomfortable pressure as the filler moves throughout the lips.

Q: Will they look good straight after?

You do see immediate volume, but you may see a few days of bruising and swelling.

Q: What about the side effects?

There can be some small bumps under your lips, though this is rare. They usually smooth out on their own within a week or two, but if not, your injector can remove them. While rare, more serious complications (like a blood clot) can occur.

Q: How do I take care of them after?

Gentle treatment without harsh products and no touching your lips for 48 hours after the injections. And hold off on exercise for a few days, as it speeds up your blood flow, which can break down the filler.

Q: How do I maintain them?

Touch-ups every three months to a year. Certain factors like filler consistency and lifestyle can affect longevity.

Q: What if I hate them?

Your doctor can dissolve the filler by injecting lips with the enzyme hyaluronidase. This can only be done two weeks after the filler was injected. If you are not sure about the level of volume less is more its far easier to add more filler than take it away.