Lip Fillers: Everything You Need to Know

The lip filler trend is still going strong and shows no signs of slowing down. So, to help out those of you who may be considering lip fillers, here is everything you need to know about them.

What are lip fillers?

Lip fillers are a type of injectable that adds volume to the lips in order to create a bigger, plumper pout. They can also replace lost volume, smooth out wrinkles around the mouth area and create improved definition and shape.

Fillers offer an immediate solution to plump the lips, and since they are not permanent, they are ideal for those who would like to change up their appearance without making any long-term commitments.

Types of lip fillers

There are many different types of lip filler available. The most popular ones today are made of Hyaluronic Acid, but they can also be made of other ingredients, such as collagen. Hyaluronic acid is a carbohydrate that attracts and binds water, helping to keep the skin hydrated and plump.

Some common filler brands include:

• Juvederm
• Teosyal
• Restylane
• Artecoll

How they are done

Before your treatment appointment, you will have a consultation to establish what you want to achieve. This is your time to let your facial aesthetics practitioner understand exactly how much filler you would require for the look you desire. Your practitioner will then give their professional advice on what they believe is the best solution.

On the day of your appointment, you can choose to have a topical numbing cream applied to the lips. This will help to reduce any discomfort you may feel. Your practitioner will then carefully inject the filler into the lip area, sculpting the product into the desired shape and size.

How long do lip fillers last?

Lip fillers can last up to 18 months. However, this is largely dependent on how much filler was placed, where it was placed, as well as how quickly your body metabolises it.

Do lip fillers hurt?

There is some pain, but this is diminished when using a numbing cream. What’s more, because facial aesthetics practitioners are highly-skilled at administering pain-free injections, you can relax in the knowing that any sensation you may feel will be significantly reduced. After your appointment, you may find that your lips are swollen, tender or bruised. This is completely normal and should go away within a few days.

Are They Safe?

Aside from minor side effects such as bruising, tenderness and swelling, lip fillers very rarely have serious side effects. Most of the horror stories you may hear come about from unregulated practitioners. Regulations around injectables are practically non-existent in the UK – you don’t even need any medical training! Choose your aesthetics practitioner wisely.

What happens when lip fillers go wrong?

If you have lip fillers and something goes wrong, then luckily you can dissolve hyaluronic acid fillers using a substance called hyaluronidase, a naturally-occurring enzyme in the body. This quickly dissolves any filler from the area. Hyaluronidase can only be prescribed by a medical professional and so it pays to have lip fillers done in a regulated clinical environment should something ever go wrong.

Where to get THEM

As we mentioned, legislation around injectables is not very tight in the UK. We would therefore highly advise getting lip fillers with a trained professional. At The Dental House, our facial aesthetics practitioner, Dr. Rick has completed Facial Aesthetics training from London to Liverpool and beyond. He has membership of the “Aesthetic Complications Expert Group” (ACE) and he even provides formal training to other medical professional practitioners on dermal fillers at The Dental House. Needless to say, you’re in safe hands.

To discuss lip fillers (or any other treatment option you would like) with Dr. Rick, please get in touch on 0151 228 3643, or book a free consultation.