The Top 7 Things You Need to Know about Lip Filler

a woman applying lip balm to lips enhanced with lip fillers.

One of the most popular non-surgical treatments in our London clinic is lip enhancement. If you’ve decided to get lip filler, it’s a good idea to do as much research as possible before your treatment. We’ll share with you the top things to know about dermal fillers for lips, so you know exactly what to expect. Lip enhancement is a fantastic way to improve the appearance of your lips and your face overall, whether you want a Kylie Jenner look or to fill them out for a subtle, fuller lip. 

Here Are the Top Seven Things to Know about Lip Filler

You probably have many questions and concerns about whether or not lip enhancement is right for you. Maybe your friend or coworker has been raving about her fuller lips and you are ready to take the leap into non-surgical treatments with dermal fillers. We are here to help answer any concerns you may have about lip fillers with the top seven things you need to know before calling for an appointment in our clinic.

There Are Different Kinds of Lip Fillers Available

There are two kinds of lip fillers available. One is “semi-permanent” and once injected, is irreversible.  The other is considered “temporary” and is reversible by using another liquid if you need or want it removed. Botox is not recommended for lips, so choose a dermal filler instead. 

Temporary fillers are the most popular by far as you could imagine. Most people like knowing that if they don’t like the effect of their lip injections, the filler can be easily removed in another session. Temporary fillers are made with hyaluronic acid (HA). We use Juvéderm for our dermal filler treatments. 

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring liquid already found in your body. This means the risks are few and your body is more likely to react well to it. It’s a very hydrating liquid — it can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. Because of this, it’s the best filler for your face, lips and body. 

Lip Fillers Are Safe and Reversible

As you’ve just read, if you opt for lip fillers made from hyaluronic acid, they are reversible. We can dissolve the filler with hyaluronidase, which is an enzyme that melts hyaluronic acid fillers quickly and safely. Hopefully, you won’t want your lip fillers reversed or removed, but it is comforting to know you can have the filler dissolved if you don’t like the results. 

It’s Not Just about Making Them Bigger

Some people get lip fillers to help balance out their lips. For instance, if the top lip is much thinner than the bottom lip and makes you feel self-conscious, we can plump up the upper lip to help make them equal. Or maybe you don’t have a defined “cupid’s bow” — the dip in the middle of your top lip. Fillers can give you a defined, curvy top lip. If your upper lip shows your gums, plumping up this lip can make your smile more even. So, many people don’t want to make their lips larger — they use fillers to add shape.  

Dermal Fillers Don’t Last Forever 

Lip fillers don’t last forever, and they’re not a permanent procedure. Your lip injection will likely last between four to eight months, but some could last up to a year or two (it varies from patient to patient). After this time, you’ll notice your lips returning to their normal size, and you’ll likely want to book a top-up appointment to get back to the fuller and more filled appearance. 

There Are Risks Involved 

Lip fillers carry minimal risks compared to surgery, but you should be made aware of the risks before having your treatment. Before your treatment, you will be asked to sign consent forms that legally show you understand the procedure and any risks involved. These risks may include swelling, bruising, redness, bleeding (from the injection site) and possible scarring. You should only get dermal fillers from a board-certified professional or doctor to ensure your safety. About a week before lip enhancement treatment, it’s recommended not to take blood thinners or aspirin or drink alcohol. If you follow the pre- and post-treatment protocols, the risks are minimal.  

It Shouldn’t Feel “Strange” Afterwards 

In the first few days after receiving your lip filler, it may feel a little bit red, bruised or swollen. But once the filler has settled and the swelling has gone down, your lips shouldn’t feel strange. You shouldn’t be able to feel that you’ve had lip filler and your lips shouldn’t be bumpy or lumpy. Your lips should feel normal, just bigger! If you have any issues with your lips feeling uncomfortable or not feeling “right”, speak to your consultant. 

We Might Not Be Able to Take Them as Big as You Hoped

Many women visit their consultation with photographs of celebrities (Kylie Jenner is a popular one!) and expect to be able to achieve a specific size or shape. The truth is, the shape — and size — you can achieve will very much depend on your natural lips size and shape. It isn’t possible to transform your appearance with fillers, but you can enhance it. While you may be tempted to “go big or go home”, we encourage you to take your time because you can always do more filler on the next visit if you want your lips bigger.

Here Are Some Other Things to Remember 

  • You can have your lip filled gradually — there’s no rush.
  • The upkeep and aftercare are minimal.
  • You won’t need to take time off work — recovery is minimal.
  • It doesn’t hurt too much, but some people may find it uncomfortable.
  • Swelling is completely normal in the first few days.

If you have any questions about our lip filler in London treatment, feel free to get in touch and set up your free no-obligation consultation. We’re always happy to answer any questions or queries you might have. 

Founder at Harley Street MD
Dr. Chia Tan is a UK-trained and GMC-registered doctor and a respected member of the Royal College of Surgeons (MRCS) and the British College of Aesthetic Medicine (BCAM). As a former Clinical Education Fellow at the University of Warwick, Dr. Tan has published numerous articles in leading scientific and medical journals, highlighting his expertise.

His extensive qualifications and memberships reflect his profound medical knowledge and dedication to providing exceptional patient care in aesthetic weight loss, and men’s health treatments.
Dr. Chia Tan
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