Lip fillers are a quick, non-surgical way to add shape, symmetry and natural-looking fullness to your lips.
Over the past decade, demand for lip enhancement has surged, positioning lip fillers as one of the most sought-after aesthetic procedures in the UK.
But why are so many people choosing to augment their lips? Is it a TikTok trend that will soon run out of steam, or is this volumising treatment here to stay?
Read on as we cover what lip fillers are, who they’re for, and what to expect.
The History of Lip Fillers
Believe it or not, the obsession with fuller-looking lips isn’t exactly new.
The journey of lip enhancement stretches way back, with a few quirky turns along the way. Ancient Egyptians, for example, were pioneers in the world of beauty, using ground-up minerals to create bold lip colours. Cleopatra herself might not have had a filler, but her bold lips set the stage for what would become a centuries-long fascination.
Fast forward to the 1900s, and the first attempts at actual “lip enhancement” surfaced. The early methods were… let’s just say experimental.
In the 1960s, doctors used silicone injections (which, spoiler alert, didn’t turn out so well). By the ‘80s, collagen from cows took centre stage as the lip-plumping solution of choice, though it required constant maintenance and came with mixed results.
Then, in the late ‘90s and early 2000s, a major breakthrough arrived: hyaluronic acid fillers. These safer, natural-looking, longer-lasting fillers revolutionised lip treatment, with the highest quality hyaluronic acid-based fillers used in today’s treatments.
Modern treatments offer refined techniques and high-quality formulas, allowing for bespoke, predictable results that volumise and shape the lips to meet personal preferences.
Hyaluronic Acid Lip Fillers
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is the real superstar in the world of lip fillers.
It is actually a substance your body produces naturally – found in your skin, connective tissues, and joints, working to keep everything hydrated and bouncy.
So, when it’s used as a filler, it’s basically giving your lips a healthy dose of their favourite nutrient.
Here’s what makes hyaluronic acid lip fillers such a hit: they’re smooth, flexible, and perfect for barely-there subtle volume to plumped-up glam.
HA fillers are carefully injected to blend naturally with your lip tissue, meaning you can shape and define to suit your unique look. Plus, the effects aren’t permanent, so if you want a different style later on, you’re free to adjust!
Hyaluronic acid lip fillers are safe, versatile, and most importantly, give you lips that look and feel totally you.
Who Should Get Lip Filler Injections?
If you’ve ever glanced at your reflection and wished your lips had a little more volume or shape, you might just be the perfect candidate for lip fillers.
Lip fillers are fantastic for anyone looking to add a bit of volume, definition, or symmetry to their lips.
They make a great solution for:
Anyone Seeking Subtle or Fuller Lip Volume
If you want a subtle enhancement that feels like a natural extension of your own lips, lip fillers can provide that soft, plump appearance.
If you’re looking for a bolder, fuller pout, a bespoke treatment can give you that luscious effect without overdoing it.
Those Looking for More Lip Definition
Over time, our lips can lose some definition, and a little filler around the borders can help define the shape, giving your lips a more youthful, plump appearance.
Anyone Struggling with Lip Asymmetry
If your top lip doesn’t quite match the bottom, or one side is slightly fuller than the other, lip fillers can balance things out.
Skilled doctor-only injectors, like those at Light Touch Clinic, can work magic in evening out your lips, enhancing their natural shape while keeping them looking totally “you.”
People with Thinning Lips Due to Ageing
As we age, our lips tend to thin out and lose some of that youthful volume.
Lip fillers can be a gentle way to bring back fullness and elasticity, restoring a look that feels natural and fresh.
Those Wanting a Confidence Boost
Sometimes, it’s not about changing who you are – it’s about feeling even better in your own skin.
For many, lip fillers are a confidence boost, giving a little enhancement that makes them feel amazing in every selfie and smile.
Who Shouldn’t Get Lip Fillers?
Lip fillers might not be the best choice if you’re looking for extreme results or if you have certain allergies or conditions that could react with the filler. It is also generally advised to avoid lip fillers if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
A consultation with an aesthetic expert can help to answer your questions and find out whether lip fillers are the right choice for you.
Risks & Side Effects
Lip fillers are a medical procedure and, like any injectable treatment, they can have side effects. Most reactions are mild and temporary, commonly including swelling, tenderness, redness and bruising for a few days, and occasionally a feeling of firmness or small bumps while the filler settles.
Less commonly, people may experience prolonged swelling or bruising, infection, a cold sore flare-up (if you’re prone), or slight unevenness that decreases as swelling goes down.
Rarely, more significant complications can occur, such as signs of reduced blood flow (for example, severe or worsening pain, pale/white patches, mottled/dusky colour changes, unusual coolness, or any visual disturbance); if this happens, you should seek urgent clinical advice.
Lip Filler Aftercare Tips
To optimise the results and reduce the risk of complications, it’s crucial to adhere to both before and aftercare instructions.
Before treatment, avoid alcohol and any blood-thinning medications, as these can increase the risk of bruising. Protect your lips from excessive sun exposure as well, as this can lead to unwanted skin damage.
Post-treatment, be gentle with your lips. Avoid touching them or applying pressure, and stay away from strenuous exercise and extreme temperatures to minimise swelling and bruising.
Day-by-Day Recovery Timeline
Everyone heals differently, based on factors such as skin, technique, product, and how your body responds, but here is a typical timeline:
- Day 0 (treatment day): Lips may look instantly fuller, but swelling starts soon after. Mild tenderness and minor bruises are common.
- Day 1: Swelling often peaks; lips may feel firm or slightly uneven. Avoid intense exercise, heat (saunas/steam rooms), alcohol, and pressure on the lips unless otherwise directed by your clinician.
- Days 2-3: Swelling begins to subside; bruising (if any) becomes more noticeable and then starts fading. Any small lumps often feel more noticeable before they soften.
- Days 4-7: Most people look “back to normal” socially. Swelling/bruising continues to settle, and the shape becomes more refined.
- Days 10-14: Results are often considered settled. This is the best time to judge symmetry and final shape and determine if a review/top-up is needed.
- Weeks 3-4: The filler typically feels fully integrated and natural as the tissue calms and softens further.
Are Lip Fillers Safe?
When performed by a qualified and experienced professional, like those at Light Touch Clinic, lip fillers are very safe. Hyaluronic acid fillers, such as Juvéderm, have a low risk of adverse reactions or complications.
It is important, however, to disclose any allergies or medical conditions to your injector before getting lip fillers during your consultation. This will help ensure that the treatment is safe for you and that you achieve the desired results.
How Long Do Lip Fillers Last?
Lip fillers typically last between 6 and 12 months, but can be affected by various factors that should be considered.
The type of filler used plays a major role – thicker fillers tend to last longer, while lighter formulas may fade sooner.
Your metabolism also affects how long the results last, as faster metabolisms may break down the filler more quickly.
Lifestyle habits like smoking, intense exercise, and sun exposure can also shorten the lifespan of your filler.
The amount of filler and its placement in the lips can influence duration, too. More filler often means longer-lasting results, and filler placed around the lip borders may stay intact longer than filler in the centre.
To maintain your results, most people opt for touch-ups every 6 to 9 months, but you can always choose to let the effects gradually fade.
The great thing about lip fillers is the flexibility – just top up when you’re ready for that next round of plumpness.
The Lip Filler Procedure
Lip Filler is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure that involves the use of injectable fillers.
If you’re considering lip fillers, it’s essential to understand how to prepare and how the treatment and healing processes work.
Preparation and Consultation
Before embarking on your lip filler journey, you’ll have an initial consultation with a member of our expert team at Light Touch Clinic.
During this consultation, we’ll discuss your desired outcome, whether it’s to increase lip volume, redefine the lip border, or reduce wrinkles around the mouth.
One of our lip enhancement experts will also evaluate your lips and consider factors like lip height, symmetry, and the overall balance of your facial features.
This is the time to ask any questions and express any concerns.
The Injection Process
On the day of your lip filler treatment, a local anaesthetic may be applied or injected to minimise discomfort. This helps to maintain comfort during the treatment.
Once the numbing takes effect, the lip filler is injected into the predetermined areas of your lips. Our injector will use a fine needle to ensure precision, injecting the dermal filler in small amounts to create the desired lip augmentation.
Treatment usually takes around 30 minutes, making it a convenient choice for those with busy schedules.
Results
One significant advantage of lip fillers is that you can expect to see immediate results. Your lips will appear fuller and more defined right after the procedure.
However, keep in mind that there may be some temporary side effects. Swelling and bruising at the injection site are normal and may last a few days. Using an ice pack can help alleviate these symptoms and minimise any discomfort.
Choosing a Reputable Lip Filler Provider
When considering lip fillers, you should choose a reputable provider to ensure safe and satisfactory results.
Here at Light Touch Clinic, we have a doctor-only team that carries out all of our lip filler treatments. We only use the highest-quality filler formula for long-lasting results. If you decide that lip filler is no longer right for you, hyaluronic acid fillers can be safely dissolved by our experienced lip filler doctor using hyaluronidase.
Our team is led by Dr Natalie Geary, bringing over 17 years of experience to each treatment. Our skilled injectors assess your individual needs during your consultation and provide personalised treatment to achieve your desired outcome. Book yours today.
