What happens during lip filler treatment?

12th June 2023
Dermal fillers, Lip fillers

When patients are not happy with the size and shape of their lips, or with the changes that can come with the ageing process, lip fillers offer a safe and natural-looking option.

There are many reasons why patients choose to enhance their natural lip shape. They may want increased volume and fullness, a more pronounced cupid’s bow, or to counteract fine lines and oral commissures.

Every patient is different and that’s why we take time to understand each individual’s desired outcome, and explain how we will approach their treatment to achieve this.

Lips and the ageing process

Part of the ageing process is a natural reduction in our collagen production. This affects the volume in our skin, so inevitably has an impact on the shape and fullness of our lips.

Other factors can also influence the texture of our skin around the lip area, these include stress, sun damage, smoking and natural facial muscularity.

For patients who are considering lip fillers, often their lip shape or lack of fullness is affecting how they feel about their looks and causing a lack of confidence.

Lip filler treatment offers a solution, which can bring youthful fullness to lips, and importantly, restore definition to the lip edge or ‘vermillion border’.

What are lip fillers made of?

Lip filler treatment involves carefully targeted injections of naturally occurring hyaluronic acid. This substance is used by the skin to retain water and support collagen and elastin.

The hyaluronic acid binds water in the skin, which helps to provide fullness where required and to smooth fine lines. The hyaluronic acid in dermal fillers is gel-like in consistency, which is why it holds its shape in the lips to create natural looking volume.

How does lip filler feel?

Lip filler treatment has the additional benefit of being extremely hydrating for the lips.

As a result, after treatment, your lips will not only have the shape and fullness that you had hoped for, they will feel softer and more hydrated.

Your lip filler consultation

At your initial consultation, your practitioner will ask you for details of your medical history and any medication you are taking.

They will talk through why you want to have lip fillers, and what you are hoping to achieve from the treatment, to make sure that it is appropriate for you.

Your practitioner will answer all your questions so that you approach your treatment with all the information you need regarding the cost, likely outcome and any future treatments that might be recommended to maintain the effect.

Your lip filler treatment

Following your consultation, your practitioner will have a clear understanding of your desired outcome and will carefully target the filler injections to achieve this for you.

How is discomfort managed during treatment?

As our lips are very sensitive areas of the body. Your practitioner will administer a local anaesthetic prior to treatment. This ensures that the treatment area is numb so that the fillers can be administered with no pain and with minimal swelling.

How long does lip filler treatment take?

Your treatment should usually take no more than 30 minutes, and most patients find that they can go about their day as usual almost immediately afterwards.

Will I see immediate results?

Yes, you’ll notice an immediate enhancement to the fullness and texture of your lips. The full benefit will be seen a few days later once any initial swelling has gone down.

Watch our video of one patient who wanted subtle lip filler to create more volume, which is exactly what we achieved for her.

The treatment took just 15 minutes, and she left with no bruising or swelling.

How long do lip fillers last?

Lip fillers are not permanent, the hyaluronic acid gel in dermal fillers is naturally absorbed by the body over several months.

Typically, hyaluronic acid-based lip fillers last from six to twelve months.

Can I have lip fillers at the same time as other treatments?

Your practitioner will discuss all your required treatment at your initial consultation to advise the best approach.

Patients often have lip filler in conjunction with other rejuvenating treatments such as skin boosters, botox or CACI. Your practitioner will advise whether it is appropriate to have your lip filler treatment at the same time, and the order in which the treatments should take place to achieve the best outcome.

How quickly will my lips heal after treatment?

Following your lip filler treatment, you may experience some minor bruising, swelling and tenderness, which will subside within 10 days.

A cold compress can help to soothe the area. Your practitioner will ensure you have all the information you need to look after your lips, such when you can wear make-up, take exercise etc.

You will then be left with soft, hydrated lips with the shape and fullness that you hoped for.