Lip fillers can be a simple answer as they are fast and effective treatments, however whilst most treatments can be carried out in one visit, for more complex cases we would advocate several visits over the course of several months to achieve the perfect result.
Lips can significantly contribute to the ageing face as we get older and whilst we may worry more about sagging skin and jowls, addressing the lip area can transform the face.
What areas of the lips/mouth region can we treat?
The vermilion border, (the lighter outline around the lip), can become faded and indistinct with age, and can be rejuvenated with filler.
The volume of the body of the lips, can also be enhanced. Volume loss in this area is very common as we age.
Shape of the lips (asymmetries) can be corrected as much as anatomy allows.
The Cupid’s Bow, the V-shaped area on the upper lip, can be enhanced with filler.
Oral commissures which are the fine lines at the side of the mouth, become more distinct with age and can contribute to a tired and sad face.
Marionettes are the lines that extend from mouth to chin and can grow and thicken with age, leaving a resting sad face. Fillers around the mouth can lift the corners and also fill these lines.
Philtral ridges run between your nose and lip and often flatten out and become indistinct with age. Enhancing them with filler can bring a more youthful look to the mouth area.
Perioral wrinkles can give the mouth a pinched look and cause lipstick to bleed. This can be easily corrected with filler to the lip and mouth areas.
What happens during the consultation?
We’ll take a medical history, assess and photograph your lips, discuss your expectations and the procedure with you.
What happens during the procedure?
The procedure will take approximately half an hour. We’ll apply some anaesthetic cream to the lips before we start so that you’re comfortable throughout the procedure. The presence of anaesthetic within the filler also helps to numb the area as we work.
What is actually injected?
Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers are injected into the lips. Hyaluronic acid occurs in skin and connective tissue and is a natural moisturiser capable of attracting 100 times its weight in water. These fillers are naturally hydrating as well as being used to enhance shape and volume.
Hyaluronic acid is broken down with time by the body and because the mouth is a highly mobile area, lip fillers are not permanent. They will last roughly 6 months and so top ups will be required.
How quickly will I see results?
You will see results instantly. The lips are rich in blood vessels and so will bruise easily. Expect to see 10% less volume as the bruising and swelling settle over the first few weeks. If a lot of enhancement is required, we advocate a staged approach with a few visits to get the perfect result.
How long do the fillers last?
Dermal fillers used for this area typically last between 6-9months.
Are there side effects?
The most common side effects are swelling and bruising in this area. Other common side effects are tenderness and itching. We will discuss ways in which to reduce these symptoms with you at your consultation.
Who is unsuitable for dermal fillers?
Patients who are pregnant or breast feeding should not have this treatment as the safety profile of dermal fillers has not been tested in these categories of patients.
Dr Carl Manhem
Dr Tom Keppel