Lip Filler-FAQs

Lip Fillers

Lip fillers are one of our most popular treatments in Canterbury Skin and Laser Clinic, Kent. It can help to give luscious volume to the lips as well as reducing smoker’s lines and providing definition to more mature lips. It does not have to result in a ‘trout pout look”!

We have put together some commonly asked questions about lip fillers to help you understand the process.

• What does lip filler do?

Lip filler is a dermal filler treatment in the lips. It can add volume to thin lips, correct uneven lip shape, smooth out smoker’s lines and we have also treated scars on the lips with dermal fillers.

• What are lip fillers made of?

Lip fillers are made of Hyaluronic Acid (HA), which is a substance that naturally occurs in the dermis of the skin. It can be found in many beauty products, as it is a hydrophilic molecule, meaning that it attracts water. It can hold up to 1000 x its own weight in water making it an excellent hydrator. Some common brands of lip fillers are Restylane, Juvederm, Beloterol, Teosayal, Emervel now rebranded with Restylane, Perfectha etc. We do not use permanent lip fillers at the Canterbury Skin and Laser Clinic.

• Are lip fillers safe?

Lip fillers are a cosmetic treatment, and like all medical procedures, there is always a chance that something could go wrong. However, if performed by experienced and qualified practitioners, it is a safe procedure.

The legislation in the UK for those offering injectable treatments is practically non-existent. You can go to a plastic surgeon, a dermatologist, a cosmetic doctor, a dentist, a nurse, and even a chiropodist or a beautician or indeed anyone who advertises the treatment! Non-medical practitioners definitely will not be able to look after you or prescribe if anything unexpected happens. What’s more, qualified experienced practitioners will be able to use an enzyme to dissolve the filler should that be advised.

At Canterbury Skin and Laser Clinic our team of dermatologists, cosmetic doctors and aesthetic nurses have been providing lip filler treatments for many years, are all qualified and very experienced with dermal filler treatments.

All injectable aesthetic procedures should be performed in a clinical setting with aseptic techniques. We do not believe hair dressing salons or gyms or someone’s home offer this clinical standard.

• Does lip filler hurt?

It might be difficult to believe from the horror stories out there, but lip filler treatment is not that painful. Of course, the discomfort level will mostly depend on your doctor’s technique and your own pain tolerance.

At Canterbury Skin and Laser Clinic, we can apply a strong numbing cream that acts quickly or in some cases, a dental block can be offered.

The lip filler even has a dose of the painkiller lidocaine mixed in the gel, which will further help to numb the area.

• Does having lip fillers bleed a lot?

The treatment itself involves injections using very fine needles to introduce the filler into the lips or lipstick lines. Therefore some pin-point bleeding is to be expected. This stops very quickly.

• How are lip fillers done?

At the Canterbury Skin and Laser Clinic, you will have a thorough consultation with the doctor or nurse first to review your medical history and assess your suitability for the lip filler treatment. We listen to your concerns and what you are looking to achieve from the treatment. We will then discuss treatment options and agree a treatment plan with you.

The lip filler treatment itself involves application of a cream or dental block to numb the lips, so that the treatment is comfortable.

A tiny needle is placed into the lips or lipstick lines to give the desired results. Some gentle moulding is done as part of the treatment. The process usually takes around 20mins. There is usually some swelling after the treatment; this can be reduced with the application of an ice pack. We may ask you to do this for a few minutes after the treatment.

• What does lip filler feel like in the lips?

Initially, there is some swelling and the lips may feel bigger than you would like. However, please bear in mind that the swelling will soon go down to reveal the final result. This usually takes a week to 2 weeks but can take longer. We may advise you to apply arnica cream to reduce bruising but it also helps to hydrate the lips as the swelling settles. Occasionally, you may be able to feel the lip filler, in which case gentle massage may be helpful. We are always here to support you after the treatment so anything you are concerned about, you can always return for review. We have seen many cases of lip filler treatments, which have been done at other places that have resulted in visible bead like lumps in the lips. This is not normal and is due to poor technique! The filler should not end up as lumpy nodules in the lips. It should be integrated softly into the lips. Similarly for the smoker’s lines, the filler should give a reduction in the lines without producing speed bumps above the lips!

• How much swelling is there after lip filler treatment?

This varies depending on the product used, the amount of lip filler used and the injector’s technique. There is always some degree of swelling which naturally resolves over a week or two. Application of ice post treatment helps to reduce swelling.

• Will my lips feel lumpy afterward?

Lip fillers at Canterbury Skin and Laser Clinic is only carried out by qualified but even more importantly very experienced doctors and nurses who have been providing this treatment for many years. Your lips should be fuller and smoother without the appearance of lumps inside the lips or above the lips.

• How long does it last?

The HA lip filler gel will last at least 6 months according to the manufacturer’s literature. However in reality, we have found that lip filler treatments have lasted much longer, in some cases well over 12 months at The Canterbury Skin and Laser Clinic. Please remember when the initial swelling goes down, you may mistake that for the filler not lasting. In these cases, if you prefer the fuller look, another treatment session will help to achieve that.

• How much does it cost?

At Canterbury Skin and Laser Clinic, we only use established and FDA approved brands of dermal fillers. The cost varies depending on the amount and the type of filler chosen. This starts at £220. The treatment options are discussed with you before any treatment is carried out. Although you may be able to pay less for the treatment, would you have the same confidence in the injector, the quality of product used, the availability of aftercare should you have any problems or the clinical facility offered? This is after all a clinical procedure and you should not risk safety for a lower cost.

• Where should I go to have it done?

We recommend that you only go to qualified and, more importantly perhaps, experienced injectors. We believe experience is really important, as it is almost too easy to obtain qualification these days! We also believe a medical practitioner with relevant skills, is also an important factor when choosing your practitioner. A Dermatologist, a facial plastic surgeon would seem more appropriate than an orthopaedic surgeon!

We do not believe that other aesthetic practitioners such as dental hygienist or beauticians have the appropriate level of medical knowledge and training for lip filler injection treatment. This is our own opinion and you are advised to do your own research.

At Canterbury Skin and Laser Clinic, your consultation and treatment will be carried out by the same person during your treatment journey. Our consultant Dermatologist and Cosmetic Doctors have years of relevant Dermatology training and have been providing dermal filler and Botox® treatments for over 20 years. They attend regular Masterclasses to keep up to date with the latest products and developments.

Another consideration is to ensure that you will be able to contact the practitioner if you have any concerns or problems after the treatment. So many times, we have heard that the mobile practitioner is refusing calls and they do not know how to find him/her again.

We mentioned that the procedure should be regarded as a clinical procedure and should be carried out in a clinical setting. We do not believe hair salons or gyms fit that purpose. Further, the Canterbury Skin and Laser Clinic being CQC regulated, ensures it has met the standard required for a medical clinic facility.

We specialise in restoring beautiful lips that look natural.

We welcome clients from all over Kent. Being based in Canterbury, we are not far from Ashford, Faversham, Folkestone, Dover, Whitstable, the coastal towns of Margate, Ramsgate and Broadstairs and only about 30 mins from Sittingbourne and Maidstone.

Book Online Now  for beautiful full lips or call us 01227 472288 to make an appointment.

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