Lip Fillers FAQ’s – Everything you need to know discussed by HL Cosmetics
More and more people are now exploring the idea of having lip fillers which are also known as lip augmentation. In years gone by you would associate massive oversized lips with lip fillers and some people still want this look, however, more and more people are looking for a subtle and more natural look which can still be obtained with lip fillers. Our Lip Fillers FAQ’s will tell you everything you need to know before you decide if you want to take that step.
What are lip fillers?
Lip fillers are injections into the lips which add volume, can correct an uneven lip shape as well as smooth out the fine vertical lines above the top lip which are often referred to as smoker’s lines.
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is the substance mostly used for lip fillers. Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in everyone’s body but its natural production decreases as we age.
The hyaluronic acid helps to increase the volume in your lips, making them look and feel plumper and fuller.
What do lip fillers do to your lips?
Lip fillers can improve the appearance of your lips by adding shape, structure and volume and a trained clinician will know exactly where to inject and the amount to inject to achieve the look you want. This is why it is imperative that you use a fully trained and qualified clinician to carry out the procedure.
How have lip fillers changed in the past few years?
Collagen was once the most common substance used as a filler, however, it is used far less today as the latest substances are much safer and the effects can last longer. Fat injections and implants were also used previously to plump lips but again they aren’t used as much today as the results vary and there is a greater risk of side effects.
Why would I have lip fillers?
You would have lip fillers to add volume and shape to your lips as well as smoothing them. The result and definition that you get will depend on how much you have injected and where the injections are placed. We would always advise you to start with a small amount for your first procedure and go back for a top up if you want them to look fuller and plumper after the fillers have taken full effect.
Are lip fillers permanent?
Lip fillers aren’t permanent, your body naturally breaks down the filler over time as it recognises it as hyaluronic acid which is naturally found in everyone’s body (our production decreases as we get older). Your lips gradually decrease in size between 4 and 14 months after you get the fillers and this means it is a great option to try as you know the effects aren’t permanent. If you start with a very small amount you can increase it at your next treatment when you have got used to them and how they have changed the way you look and feel.
How do lip fillers work?
Most clinicians will use Collagen or Hyaluronic Acid (HA) based fillers and will use a variety of brands dependent on what you want to achieve. Collagen works by plumping the lip whilst the hyaluronic acid type fillers plump the lip as well as sealing in the natural water which gives a more natural and volumised look.
How long does it take to see the effect of lip fillers?
You can see the results of fillers immediately after your procedure and the results will continue to change for the next 2-3 weeks as any swelling goes down and the filler starts to take full effect, improving their appearance of your lips over time.
What look can you achieve with lip fillers?
You can achieve a more defined lip shape, a smoother lip shape and a fuller lip shape. The plumpness of your lips will depend on how much filler you have injected and we always advise that you go for the smallest amount possible for your first treatment so you can see how you and your lips react to them.
What type of lip fillers are there?
There are different types of fillers used and a good professional clinic will use various brands dependent on the look you want to achieve, these can include; Merz, Galderma, Allergan, Radiesse, Belotero, Bocouture and Juvéderm and some of these brands offer soft basic and intense result filler types.
Do lip fillers hurt?
Some clinicians will use a local anaesthetic or dental block for lip fillers as the lips are a sensitive area. Most people say that the procedure of lip fillers in painless but most clinicians will use an anaesthetic numbing cream or ice before they do the injections which prevent you from feeling them at all. The needles used are very very fine and the procedure only lasts between 10 and 15 minutes at the most.
You can experience some soreness, mild swelling and, or bruising after the procedure, however, a cold compress ensures that this subsides quickly.
How long does the procedure take?
The procedure length depends on the areas and amount of filler being used but normally takes anything between 10 to 15 minutes.
What are the benefits of Hyaluronic Acid lip fillers?
- The gel in the filler shapes and supports the tissues of the lips, making them look and feel plumper
- The amount of filler used will result in the lip plumpness and volume achieved so it is a controlled procedure
- You can start off with a minimal amount being injected and increase this over time to get a fuller effect once you have seen how you and your lips react to the filler
- Any lumps and bumps which can be caused by the filler can be dispersed easily
- It is said that Hyaluronic Acid lip fillers can cause less bruising and swelling compared to others
- The results are not permanent
- The results can last anything between 4 and 14 months depending on each person and their body
- Hyaluronic acid fillers are made from natural substances that are found in everyone’s bodies, therefore, they are less likely to cause an allergic reaction
What are the disadvantages of lip fillers?
There really aren’t any disadvantages of lip fillers unless you use someone who is not qualified and experienced to do them or if you have too much filler injected in your first procedure. A gradual change is much better for you and your lips, compared to a drastic change which you may not like or makes you feel uncomfortable.
What are the risks of lip fillers?
The risks of dermal fillers are minimal as long as you use a qualified and experienced clinic and clinician who use reputable filler brands and know which filler is going to give you the results you are looking for.
Permanent fillers have the highest risk and a lot of clinicians will not use them
The after effects of fillers can include; rashes, swelling, itching, lumps and bruising, however, they reduce in the days after the procedure
There are now a lot of people and clinics offering lip fillers and over the last couple of years there has been an increase in patients experiencing lumpy or disproportionate lip sizes, infections, ulceration or necrosis (when the lip tissue dies and goes black) and this normally only happens when a person is not properly qualified or doesn’t have the experience of carrying out lip filler treatments.
It’s quite scary but anyone can buy hyaluronic acid gel and inject it into their own or someone else’s lips. There are no laws in the UK that regulate people who carry out non-surgical cosmetic procedures, such as lip fillers so you should always check their qualifications, experience, results and customer feedback before you decide to go ahead.
Can I have lip fillers to take away the fine lines around my lips?
You can have fillers to reduce the appearance of lip lines, often referred to as smokers lines and they are normally really effective if you use a clinician who has a lot of experience.
How much lip fillers are recommended?
You should opt for the smallest amount in your first procedure and increase this as you’ve got used to the way your lips look and feel, this can be anything from 1/2 to 1 ml of filler.
How long do lip fillers last?
Most fillers will last anything between 6 to 8 months but this can be less or more dependent on the person. On average we would say fillers last anything between 4 and 12 months.
How often can I have lip fillers?
To maintain the new volume and definition in your lips you can top them up every 3 to 6 months if you want to maintain the look or your lips or increase their plumpness. Results will vary from patient to patient so you should always get advice from your clinician as they will know the brand they use and the effect it has had on your lips.
Do fillers go away?
After a time the hyaluronic acid is naturally broken down by the body so your lip volume will decrease over time, anything between 4 and 12 months. The bad news is that if you love your new fuller and plumper look you will have to keep going back for more.
What do I need to do to prepare for lip fillers before and after?
- Apply ice to the treated area immediately after your treatment as this will help with any swelling and bruising
- Stay hydrated, drink plenty of water
- Avoid drinking alcohol for 24 hours before and after your treatment. Alcohol can cause blood vessels to dilate and cause more bruising so it is best to avoid it
- Avoid drinking using a straw for a couple of days after your treatment
- Avoid strenuous exercise and hot temperatures for 24-48 hours post treatment
- Avoid any facial massages 7 days after your treatment
- Use homoeopathic Arnica 7 days prior and after your lip fillers if you bruise easily
- If you suffer from cold sores use topical acyclovir (Zovirax) 7 days pre and post-treatment
What are the after effects of lip fillers?
You can experience some after effects of lip fillers but not always and they subside quickly.
- Bleeding from the injection sites
- Swelling and bruising
- Redness and tenderness at the site of the injection
- Lumps in the lips
- Reactivation of cold sores or fever blisters (herpes simplex) of the lips or area surrounding the lips
If they don’t subside within 24 hours then contact your clinician for their advice.
How long does filler take to settle in lips?
Lip fillers can take up to two weeks to fully settle and if you are not satisfied with the results after this time then contact your clinician and make a follow-up appointment.
What should you think about when you are deciding whether to have Botox?
- Although a lip filler treatment is a non-surgical and non-invasive treatment it should not be taken lightly and you should always go to a medically trained doctor or clinician
- Always do your research carefully and if you can, go to a clinic or to someone who has been recommended by someone you know
- You should ensure the doctor or clinic you choose is fully trained, qualified and has the experience of carrying out lip filler procedures
- You should be offered a free, no-obligation consultation and feel under no pressure to go ahead with the treatment until you have had time to consider if it is for you
- During your consultation, your clinician should review your full medical history and any medication you are taking to ensure a lip filler procedure is medically ok for you to have done
- You should have an opportunity to discuss your concerns and the areas you want to focus on
- They should explain the results you will see, any side effects and any risks so you are really clear about the procedure. It is also a good idea to ask them to show you before and after photos of their work
- Discuss the look you want to achieve and ask them how much filler they would advise you to have, be cautious if it is your first procedure and they offer you anything over 1 ml
- After your consultation, go online to look for reviews for the doctor or clinic you are considering and always search their name, clinic or business name as well as looking at their website
- Check they have public liability insurance
- If you felt comfortable with the person who you have had your consultation with and you have researched them and the clinic they work in then, and only then should you book to have your treatment done with them
For your safety, tell your doctor as much about your medical history as possible so they can determine if a lip filler treatment is safe for you to have:
- Any medication, supplements, herbs, etc. you are taking
- Any allergies you have
- If you have any medical conditions, illnesses, or diseases
- If you have had any medical procedures before (recent botox, fillers, surgery and other treatments)
- If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to conceive
- If you have never had a lip filler treatment before most doctors and clinicians will be conservative with the amount they inject to see how you react to it so remember it can always be topped up at a later date.
Make sure both you and doctor/clinician are clear about the result you are looking for
Have realistic expectations about what fillers can do and how much it will cost to maintain.
Make a list of questions you want to ask at your consultation and this way you won’t forget anything. Ask how much the treatment will cost, how many ml of filler you will need, how long they have been doing lip filler procedures and is it them that will be doing your treatment if you decide to go ahead. If they don’t tell you, ask about side effects, risks, and how you should take care of yourself before and after the procedure.
Who should you have lip fillers with?
A reputable and experienced lip filler doctor or clinician.
What is the difference between Lip Fillers, Facial Fillers and Botox?
- Lip fillers using Hyaluronic acid and similar substances “fill in” or plump areas that have lost volume and smoothness over time
- Facial fillers are also known as dermal fillers and they are also used to prevent or eliminate signs of ageing
- Botox freeze muscles to stop creases and wrinkles caused by facial expressions
About HL Cosmetics
Dr Natalya Quandt is a practising Cosmetologist and has worked in the beauty industry for more than 15 years. During this time she has been provided non-surgical treatments to hundreds of patients and she has a huge amount of experience in the non-surgical industry.
Dr Quandt only uses reputable filler brands, such as; Merz, Galderma, Allergan, Radiesse, Belotero, Bocouture and Juvéderm. which have been clinically tested, have a high safety standard and been established over a long period of time. She believes that only healthcare professionals should be allowed to inject fillers as you need a sound medical understanding, training and the required qualifications to ensure it is a safe procedure that delivers the results you are looking for.
Dr Quandt has a friendly approach where she will listen to your concerns and offer you the appropriate treatment to achieve the result you are looking for, as well as discussing in depth the benefits and any associated risks. If you would like to arrange a free and no obligation consultation you can contact Dr Quandt direct on 07557 237480 to arrange an appointment or ask her any questions you may have.
If you are looking for lip fillers then there is no one who has more expertise and experience and we hope our Lip Fillers FAQ’s have answered some of your questions.