Lip Filler Treatments
Lips are one of the most visible characteristics of our faces and we should not underestimate the impact that well-defined naturally full looking lips can have. Lip volume is governed by both our genetic code and also by the ageing process and exposure to UV light and pollutants (especially smoking).
A loss of lip volume and definition can be detrimental to the balance of the face as can having excessive upper lip creases, or mismatched upper and lower lips.
Lip augmentation can be used to correct any deficits or imbalances in the volume of the lips and also to restore their youthful definition.
Lip fillers consist of synthesised hyaluronic acid (HA or sodium hyaluronate), which is a natural component of lip collagen. Hyaluronic acid holds water which imparts volume and hydrates the lips. Lip augmentation procedures use the inherent water-binding properties of HA to restore a natural volumised look to the lips.
Do nothing differently. Just go about your day to day activities as normal. Your lips will be cleansed at the time of the procedure so try not to use any lipstick or cosmetics.
If having lip plumping and defining, you might need to have an anaesthetic block. This will be injected so that the lips are completely numb and so you will not feel any pain when the lip filler is being injected.
Lip filler will be injected into the vermillion border (the edge of the lips where the skin meets the lip itself) and also into the lips themselves in so that the lips have a fuller, poutier and feminine appearance. You will have a mirror to hand and you will be able to see the effect immediately. We aim to get the result that you are looking for and will not overfill your lips – NO TROUT POUT GUARANTEED!.
The hyaluronic acid is a gel-like solution and is injected into the lips to add volume in the vermillion border and also into the body of the lips themselves. The filler holds water within its molecular bonds and plumping the structure of the lips from within.
Hyaluronic acid fillers last from 6 – 15 months depending on how each individual responds to the filler ingredients. Some people degrade the filler faster than others.
They are all fully biodegradable and will break down gradually over time. As the absorption times differ with individuals, how the area looks and feels is the best indicator that a top-up is needed.
There are very few reported side effects with these products, bruising being the most common as with any injections. This is usually minimal and can be covered effectively with make up.
You must mention to your practitioner if you are taking any blood thinning medications ie. aspirin or warfarin as one would be at higher risk of bruising. However, this does not mean that we cannot proceed, it just mean we will take extra care to minimise bruising.
There is usually some swelling after having a lip enhancement and it is advisable to relax and minimise strenuous activity in the 24 hours after having the treatment.
After treatment, anti-inflammatories (e.g. ibuprofen) can help to reduce the swelling and we will provide you with a cool ice pack to place on the lips. It is important to keep the lips clean and dry and to leave the lips to settle down without any excessive rubbing or manipulation.
