In recent years, the UK has seen a significant surge in the uptake of non-surgical cosmetic procedures such as dermal fillers. Out of various types of dermal fillers, lip fillers, in particular, have become quite a craze. And it shows no sign of slowing down. This non-invasive procedure lets you have fuller, plumper lips in no time. You can start seeing the results within a few days.
So if you are one of those considering lip fillers, here we have put together everything you need to know before having them.
What Exactly are Lip Fillers?
Lip fillers are a type of injectable that makes your lip plumper and fuller. Not just that, the practitioners can customise the treatment, keeping in mind your specific goals and concerns. For instance, you can sharpen the contour of your lip, balance its asymmetry or proportion, restore lost volume or add a boost of hydration to smoothen subtle cracks and wrinkles.
The effect of lip filler injections can be seen almost immediately. Moreover, unlike lip implants, lip fillers are not a type of permanent lip augmentation. As a result, they are perfect for those who want cosmetic enhancements without making any long-term commitments.
Different Types of Fillers
There is a wide variety of dermal lip filler options available. Your practitioner shall choose the type of filler that works best for you, as everyone’s facial area may have different needs. Moreover, the lip is a delicate and temperamental area and thus has special needs.
However, the most popular ones available today have hyaluronic acid as the base ingredient. It is because it is already found throughout the body, so the body recognises it. The fillers based on hyaluronic acid are also temporary and reversible. It attracts and binds water to the target area, thereby keeping the skin hydrated and plump. Another popular base ingredient used in lip fillers is collagen.
There are a few filler brands that are more popular among doctors. These include:
- Juvéderm
- Restylane
- Teosyal
- Artecoll
Understanding the Procedure
The first step of the Lip filling procedure is consultation with your practitioner. It is during the consultation that they will establish your goals and requirements. This will help them understand the type and amount of filler you would require to get the desired results. They will further analyse all the aspects and present you with the best possible solution.
During the consultation, they will also inform you about the precautions you will need to take, most crucially 48 hours prior to the lip filler appointment. These precautions include avoiding smoking, consuming alcohol, taking blood thinners, and using dietary supplements such as Vitamin E and fish oil.
On the day of the procedure, you have the option of using a topical numbing cream on your lips. This will minimise any discomfort you may feel during the treatment. Your practitioner will then carefully inject the filler into the target area, giving your lips the desired shape and size.
How Long Does the Effect Last?
Depending upon the type of filler injected and your lifestyle, most lip fillers last for 9 to 12 months. The volume of the filler injected is also a factor. Smaller amounts don’t last as long. Moreover, the filler metabolises faster in individuals who are young, have a high metabolism or are physically active.
Do Lip Filler Injections Hurt?
A needle to the face will tinge a little. However, the sensation can be minimised using a numbing cream. Moreover, any pain you may feel can become significantly less if you go to a highly-skilled and qualified practitioner. You can feel considerably relaxed, knowing that you are in safe hands.
After the procedure, your lips may be slightly swollen and tender. This is perfectly normal and should subside within a few days.
How Safe Lip Fillers are?
Generally speaking, lip fillers very rarely have any serious side effects, except for minor ones such as swelling, bruising and tenderness. Most of the disasters you may hear about are the results of an inexperienced and unregulated practitioner performing the procedure. There are practically no regulations around injectables in the UK. One doesn’t even need any medical training to administer injections. So it becomes crucial to choose a practitioner who is experienced and qualified.
What Happens if Lip Fillers go Wrong?
If something goes wrong with the procedure and the results are not what you expected, fortunately, the practitioners can use an enzyme called hyaluronidase that dissolves the hyaluronic acid filler. This restores your lips to their natural look. However, you shall know that it is much more difficult to dissolve the filler than to inject it. So choose your practitioner wisely. Moreover, it is advisable to have the procedure done in a regulated clinical environment, as only a medical professional can prescribe the hyaluronidase enzyme.
As a precautionary measure, it is highly preferable to start light, as underfilling is a much better route than running the risk of overfilling.
How much does Lip Filler Cost?
Due to the small size of the lips, the lip filler procedure is relatively less costly. What’s more, most qualified practitioners won’t inject more than one shot in one appointment.
Generally, the cost depends on the practitioner and the number of syringes that needs to be injected for desired results. However, a qualified practitioner may charge between £600 and £900 for the procedure.
Where to Get the Lip Fillers Done?
We cannot stress enough the importance of having a qualified and experienced practitioner perform this procedure on you. At Perfect Smile, our team of facial aesthetic practitioners have gotten the required training, and thus you will be in safe hands with us. We can help you get those perfect lips in the safest and most effective manner possible. To book a consultation, get in touch today.
