Lip Filler
treatment guide
What are lip fillers?
Lip filler can be an effective cosmetic treatment in adding volume and definition to your lips. Typically, there are two types of people seeking lip filler but the underlying reason is usually cosmetic. On one hand, there are the younger generation looking to keep up with recent trends of “plumpifying” the size of their lips. On the other, we have a more mature group of patients who recognise that their lips have lost volume over time. The steps involved in addressing both parties are the same.
The details
Lip augmentation using dermal filler is a very specialised field and the results can be outstanding. The aim should be to balance the lips and add volume proportionately so that results look natural and subtle.
The most commonly used brands of dermal filler for lips that give the best results are Juvéderm Volbella; and Restylane Silk; however each practitioner has their own preference. All fillers used for lips should be hyaluronic acid-based and last up to 12-months.
The Lip Scale
The lip scale is a great way to visualise how much lip filler you need. In general, it takes 1ml of lip filler to move between stages.
The Procedure
As a general rule, you should only get a maximum of 1ml injected at any given session. Remember, the best results are achieved over multiple sittings over the course of a few months once the swelling has come down and the tissues have had time adjust to the filler. Swelling typically takes 2-weeks to come down.
The procedure itself takes 15-20 minutes to perform with no down-time. Topical numbing cream or local anaesthetic injection can be used to help manage your pain as the lips are a highly sensitive area. Most dermal fillers come ready mixed with 0.3% lidocaine (the numbing agent in local anaesthetic) which further helps control any pain.