LIP FILLER FAQ'S

 

WHAT IS LIP FILLER?

Lip filler is a hyaluronic acid dermal filler, which is a sugar protein found naturally within our own skin. When this is injected into the skin, each molecule attracts it's own weight up to 1000X in water, providing immediate plumping and hydration.

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WHAT PRODUCT DO YOU USE?

We use FDA licensed, premium brand Restylane (Galderma)

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HOW LONG DO LIP FILLERS LAST?

Lip fillers last, on average, between 6-9 months.

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HOW LONG DOES THE TREATMENT TAKE?

Schedule an hour for your appointment for lip filler. However, at least 30minutes of this time is spent going through what to expect and 'numbing up': the actual procedure itself once injections start takes around only 5 - 10 minutes.

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IS THE PROCEDURE ITSELF PAINFUL?

Lip filler should not be 'painful'. We offer two topical cream prior to the treatment, and the lip filler itself actually contains lidocaine (a numbing agent).

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ARE THE RESULTS INSTANT?

Yes.

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WHAT TECHNIQUE DO YOU USE?

We  use several techniques, and which technique we use depends on you, your lips, and what we are wanting to achieve. Russian Lips Technique, which involves injecting the product vertically from the base to the outer edge of the lip. However, depending on the client and the expected outcome, we use an array of techniques to create your individual lips, which include: the 4mm technique, the 'bow and arrow' technique, the 'keyhole' technique, the 'tenting' technique, the 'micro droplet' technique - and so much more! We are experts in lip fillers, and ensure every client receives the technique appropriate for them to achieve their best possible result every time.  

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HOW MUCH FILLER DO I NEED? O.5ML OR 1.0ML?

It depends on your lips, your expectations, and whether or not you have previously had lip filler (within the last few months). 0.5ml is almost exclusively reserved for those wanting to simply correct a minor asymmetry, turn up the corners of the lips, or those who have recently had lip filler. Otherwise, 0.5ml tends to do little in terms of volume or shape, and mostly hydrates the lips. Up to 1.0ml is almost always needed for a noticeable result if none of these apply to you - but remember, every lip is unique (as is our approach!) and just because we 'have 1.0ml' doesn't mean we need to use the whole 1.0ml. Oftentimes, it is appropriate to only inject 0.7ml, or 0.8ml to prevent unwanted aesthetic results.

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There is no absolute answer without seeing you, your lips, and discussing what effect it is you are looking to achieve. However, as a general rule, be guided by the following:

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- 0.5ml does little more than hydrate. If you are looking for a noticeable difference in the overall size or shape of your lips, you will likely need more than 0.5ml if you have never had lip filler before

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- 1ml is enough to make a nice difference. However, if you have very thin lips to start off with and are looking to achieve rather plump lips as the end result, you may need to 'build' them by having a 0.5ml - 1.0ml 'top up', 3-6 weeks following your initial treatment. Also, some lips are simply not 'buildable', and we will advise you before any treatment whether or not we believe your lips will actually do what you are wanting them to, or not. Sometimes, we do tel people that lip filler is not right for them.

 

IS THERE ANYTHING I SHOULD - OR SHOULDN'T DO - PRIOR TO THE TREATMENT?

Why not bring along some images of lips that you like? This can really help us during the initial discussion to see the type of size and shape that you are drawn to!

We advise you not to drink alcohol or take Ibuprofen within the preceding 24hours of your appointment, as this can increase the risk of bruising.

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WHAT CAN I EXPECT AFTER MY TREATMENT?

As our lips are very vascular (they are red due to this!) having lip filler can cause your lips to swell and / or bruise. The majority of people swell and / or bruise: however, when swelling and / or bruising does occur, it tends to be minimal. Nevertheless, any swelling will be at its 'peak' in the initial 24-48 hours following the treatment, with any residual pockets of swelling completely resolved within 5 days, with any bruising lasting up to around a week. It can take up to 14 days for lip filler to fully 'integrate' with the tissues of your lips, and during that time swelling may go 'up' as well as 'down.

 

We strongly advise against having lip filler in the week leading up to any important event, or any situation in which you may not want people to see any potential swelling and / or bruising!

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IS THERE ANYTHING I SHOULD OR SHOULDN'T DO AFTER HAVING LIP FILLER?

Do not massage the lips in the days after the treatment unless specifically advised by us to do so.

Do not take Ibuprofen.

DO apply the complimentary gel pack (shaped like a pair of lips!) that we give you to take away, you can pop this in the fridge or the freezer and it will help prevent and / or reduce any swelling.

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WHAT IF I DON'T LIKE THEM?

All of our treatments are fully customised to YOU and only carried out following an in-depth discussion, so this is very unlikely! However, rest assured that all hyaluronic acid dermal fillers can be safely dissolved.

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IS THERE ANYONE WHO CANNOT HAVE LIP FILLER?

You cannot have lip filler if:

- You have an active infection in the area

- You are currently undergoing dental treatment

- You are under the age of 18

- You are pregnant

- You are breastfeeding

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WHAT ABOUT ANY RISKS?

Lip filler is very safe when licensed products are injected by experienced medical professionals (we have undertaken hundreds of lips fillers and remember, no 'one day courses here!). The main risks associated with lip fillers are associated with the injections themselves - that is, pinprick redness and pinprick bleeding (both of which resolve during the treatment) and a small risk of pinprick bruising. However, as with dermal filler injected anywhere in the face, there is an EXTREMELY remote risk  (so rare that no statistics are available) of vascular / arterial occlusion. Rest assured that we are trained to recognise and treat this extremely rare complication.