Lip Enhancement

The key to the majority of brands for the lip filler injection is their use of hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring sugar chain molecule found in all skin and soft tissues throughout the body, and is identical across all species. It attracts and binds water in the skin, providing volume and hydration. It also ‘cushions’ and supports collagen and elastin fibres, and provides a medium (or carrier) for chemical messages between the cells.

Hyaluronic acid lip fillers are manufactured, usually through fermentation and cross linking with proteins, to produce a clear, sterile gel for injection into the skin. They provide instant correction by filling areas affected by wrinkles and sagging.

• Legitimate brands are NOT available for general sale on the internet, and should only be administered by trained clinicians. Each brand has a range of ‘tissue tailored’ products designed for specific results: one size does not fit all.

  Leading and well-established brands include, but are not limited to:

• Juvederm™ (FDA 2006)
• Restylane™ (FDA 2003)
• Belotero™ (FDA 2011)
• Teosyal™
• Emervel™

• Not all hyaluronic acids are the same. In the UK, there are over 160 brands on the market, due in some part to weak regulation.

A lip filler injection has various benefits to be seen from different patients, across all ages, genders and lifestyles. Some of the most popular reasons for lip filler treatment are:

• To create fuller upper & lower lip.
• To reduce fine lines around the mouth.
• To lift corners of the mouth.
• To erase “smokers’ lines.
• To enhance the shape and definition of the lips.
• To even out unbalanced lips.

One of the reasons behind the popularity of lip enhancement is there is minimal downtime required, alongside immediate results.

Your practitioner will provide detailed aftercare advice specifically designed to minimise risk and promote a fast recovery from any expected side effects.

Most people are able to continue with normal activities with immediate effect on their appearance. Some will experience some redness, pin prick marks, and possibly swelling – particularly in the lips.

Following your lip filler treatment, you should also be aware:

• You may experience some bruising.
• Any swelling and bruising may be more apparent the next day.
• Make-up should not be worn for 12 hours post-treatment.
• You will be advised to avoid alcohol, vigorous exercise, sunbathing, and extremes of heat or cold for 14 days post-treatment.

There are a number of medical conditions and/or medicines that may affect the decision to treat with lip fillers, or affect the treatment plan. A full medical history and assessment of your expectations is necessary in advance of any decision to treat, which your clinician should conduct.

As with any injectable treatment, treatment is not recommended if:

• You are suffering from any skin infection in or near the treatment area, or are unwell in any way (even a cold).
• You have previously experienced allergic reactions to any dermal filler or local anaesthetic.
• You are taking any medicines which affect bleeding, such as aspirin or warfarin.
• You are taking steroids or have an autoimmune disease.
• You have any bleeding disorders.
•  You suffer from a poorly controlled medical condition.
• You are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• You are currently on or have recently completed a course of Roacutane (Isotretinoin acne treatment) in the last 18 months.

Take Caution:

• Injections on the face can trigger the cold sore virus. If you are a sufferer, you must advise your clinician in advance of lip filler treatment.
• If you have recently had treatment with any other dermal filler.
• If you are planning to attend a special event when a bruise, should it occur, would be unacceptable to you.
• Some over the counter medicines and supplements can also affect bleeding (make you more prone to bruising), as can alcohol. Alcohol should be avoided the day before and after treatment.
• Vigorous exercise, sun exposure, sun beds, and saunas should be avoided for 48 hours, or as advised by your clinician, after lip filler treatment. Safety has not been established for those skins susceptible to keloid scarring.

If, having had treatment, you are at all concerned about symptoms you were not expecting or are not happy with your results, please contact the practitioner for advice. If necessary, an appointment will be made for you to be seen. 

All treatments carry a degree of risk, and therefore all risks and complications will be discussed with you at your consultation, and prior to any treatment being agreed. Dermal fillers, including lip fillers, should always be administered by a healthcare professional with specialist training. You can find an appropriate professional to administer your treatment with Save Face’s government-approved register.

Side effects of lip filler treatment include, but are not limited to:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Itching
• Tenderness

The above side effects are temporary, and usually resolve within the first few days. Swelling is often marked the next morning, but typically settles within hours. Bruising can take a week to 10 days to resolve, and can sometimes persist for longer.

Most leading brands of lip filler injection also contain a local anaesthetic, and most clinicians will apply topical anaesthetic cream, or ice, prior to treatment to numb the skin. This is a non-invasive treatment as it is an injection only. You may experience some discomfort during the injection, but there is no need for treatment to be painful.

Longevity and effect vary between products and between individuals receiving treatment. However, most people will see the results of their lip filler injection last for 6-18 months.

We take the hard part out of your experience at Save Face. By connecting with a practitioner through our search function, you don’t have to worry about their legitimacy. Every single person in our government-approved register has had to pass a thorough assessment with 116 stages, proving that:

• They are who they say they are.
• They are a registered nurse/midwife, doctor, dentist or prescribing pharmacist with specialist training and insurance in each treatment listed on their profile.
• They use licensed products sourced from reputable suppliers.
• They have all of the necessary paperwork in place to protect you from undue risk and harm.
• Their clinic is safe and hygienic.

Find your nearest Save Face accredited lip filler practitioner here.