Lip Fillers

What are Lip Fillers?

Lip fillers are dermal fillers injected into the lips to plump the lips, restore lost volume, increase fullness, improve definition, restore correct proportions and correct asymmetry.

The lips along with the eyes are the most important aesthetic feature when it comes to judging beauty. It is no surprise that lip filler ranks as one of the most popular non-surgical treatments especially on social media platforms such as Instagram. However, the lips are probably the most challenging non-surgical facial procedure to perform as they require an artistic flare, great technical skills and a thorough understanding of the individual’s natural lip shape.

It can take anywhere between 20-60 minutes to complete depending on how many injections are carried out. This includes the whole process from beginning to end including numbing cream application, informed consent and before/after photos.

All injection procedures are uncomfortable and the lips tend to be more uncomfortable than other areas of the face due to their increased sensitivity. Topical numbing cream is used beforehand to minimise discomfort plus the dermal filler gel contains a numbing agent called lidocaine.

Lip fillers tend to last anywhere between 6-12 months. Dermal filler in the lips can break down a little quicker than in other areas of the face due to the constant movement of the lips.

Results can last from 6-18 months, depending on the treatment chosen and the area treated. Lip fillers tend to break down a little quicker than other areas of the face.

The typical amount of filler used per session is between 0.5-1ml in total. The amount used will vary on many factors such as desired outcome, pre-existing lip size & age.

Eternally Young charges per ml of product. Eternally young charges £200 per 0.5ml, £250 per 1ml of dermal filler. Designer lips (by Belotero) costs £300 for 1.2ml of filler.

Yes. It is advised to refrain from touching your lips and wearing make-up (including lip gloss and lipstick) for approx. 24 hours post procedure due to the risk of infection. As with all dermal filler procedures it is advised to avoid saunas, steam rooms, very cold environments and other aesthetic procedures such as peels for 2 weeks post treatment.

The ideal choice of filler is a product that is soft, cohesive and predictable causing minimal swelling. Eternally Young only uses premium brands of dermal filler including the Juvederm® range, the Belotero® range and the Teosyal® range. Within each brand range there are specific dermal fillers that have been developed especially for use in the lips. Within the Juvederm® brand there is Juvederm® smile, Juvederm® 3 and Juvederm® Volbella (from the vycross range). Within the Belotero® range there is Belotero® balance and Belotero® Intense. Belotero® has also developed a dermal filler especially for lips with is called ‘Belotero® Lips’. This consists of 2 x syringes of fillers, one called Belotero® Lips Contour 0.6ml which is designed to restore the outline of the lips. The other is called Belotero® Lips Shape 0.6ml which is used to increase lip volume to the upper and lower lip.

There are many reasons for this. As we age, the facial skeleton shrinks with inward rotation. The unsupported soft tissues weigh in on the lips which collapse due to loss of their own support. Other factors such as sun exposure, smoking, repetitive pursing of the muscles of the mouth, osteoporosis and genetics. Therefore the ageing process causes loss of upper lip volume, definition & firmness. The lip loses vermillion bulk as we age resulting in loss of the youthful pout. The ‘Cupid’s bow’ which is the signifier of youth & beauty is lost and there is loss of the philtral columns. Exposure of the red lip declines causing the lips to look thin; this is caused by bony retrusion and changes in dentition.

The lips should assessed in terms of their shape and size. The ideal size should be matched to the size of the face as well as the facial features, in particular the eyes. Larger lips fit large size eyes but look out of place with smaller size eyes. There are also important differences between different ethnicities and between men and women. In women, the lips are fuller and curvier with a more pronounced cupid’s bow. In men, the lips tend to be wider and flatter, often described as rectangular.

No – the shape of the lips cannot be fundamentally changed. However, they may be improved in terms of definition, symmetry and proportions. Lips come in many different shapes & sizes e.g. full lips, wide lips, round lips, thin lips, heart-shaped lips, bow-shaped lips. The ideal lips are well defined, symmetrical (left to right) and well-proportioned in relation to surrounding structures and the face as a whole. Their definition may be enhanced by subtly treating the fine vermillion border, but care should be taken not to overtreat this delicate structure as the filler can escape into the perioral area to create a very commonly observed and unsightly ‘duck look’. This process is called ‘migration’. Symmetry in the face is desirable, but in the lips it is essential and as with all other areas of the face it is advisable to start treatment on the weaker side. The ideal lip ratio top:bottom is 1:1.618 in line with the ‘golden ratio’.

It isn’t possible to jump from thin lips to volumized lips in one session only. This normally takes several sessions of 1ml syringes over the course of a few months but you will still be limited by the structure of your own lips. Lip filler can improve the definition, volume and proportions of the lips which can in turn make them look much bigger without injecting too much filler. Too much dermal filler injected in one session is unsafe and will make your lips looks unnatural. It is essential that increasing the size of your lips is carried out gradually and always maintaining natural look.

The ideal lips are well defined, symmetrical (left to right) and well-proportioned in relation to surrounding structures and the face as a whole. Their definition may be enhanced by subtly treating the fine vermillion border, but care should be taken not to overtreat this delicate structure as the filler can escape into the perioral area to create a very commonly observed and unsightly ‘duck look’. Symmetry in the face is desirable, but in the lips it is essential. The ideal lip ratio top:bottom is 1:1.618 in line with the ‘golden ratio’.

Aesthetically pleasing lips should include the following features: Upper lip 1/3 and lower lip 2/3 (or golden ratio of 1:1.618) The youthful upper lip should project 1-2 mm in front of the lower lip Distinct cupids bow Central fullness Defined vermillion border Philtral columns should be prominent and full Oral commissures should be slightly upturned

Yes – but it is really important to assess the face as a whole when treating for lip filler. Treating the lips directly without restoring the surrounding framework could lead to an unbalanced and unsatisfactory result. A more aesthetic result may be achieved by restoring the peripheral outline and areas immediately around the mouth to improve the overall appearance of the face from the front and the side while providing a supportive framework for the lips. So for example, if you are unhappy about the size of your lips and the fact that they turn downwards and make you look miserable, you may benefit from dermal filler in your lips to restore volume but also at the corners of the mouth (oral commissures) in order to help turn up the corners of the mouth and restore volume where it has been lost due to the ageing process. Furthermore, filler placed in the cheekbones deep to the muscles can also help turn the corners of the mouth upwards. This process is called facial reshaping and discussed further in the dermal filler section on the website.

Lip filler maybe contra-indicated when the following conditions: Infections around the mouth Colds, flue and minor illness during the previous 2 weeks may increase the risk of an immunological reaction Active HPV1 virus Unrealistic expectations Body dysmorphia

Yes potentially there could be some complications. The most common ones are bruising and swelling. In rare circumstances, there is a very small risk of an allergic reaction or an infection. All potentials risks will be explained to you during your consultation and a thorough assessment is carried out in order to make sure that you are safe to receive a lip filler procedure.

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