Dr Rita Rakus

Lip filler injections can be used to improve the definition of the lip line, vermilion border, where the lip turns from red to white, as well as the overall shape and size of the lips giving the lips a natural and subtle boost. Filler can also be effective in defining the cupids bow, the two ridges just above the middle part of your upper lip.

The lower lip tends to have more volume than the upper lip and therefore it may not be necessary to treat it. You should discuss your exact requirements and expectations for your lip treatment with the doctor at your initial consultation.

Natural hyaluronic gel fillers are used to treat wrinkles and lines and enhance lips. They contain a crystal-clear gel made from non-animal hyaluronic acid and water. The gel is a biotechnologically produced version of hyaluronic acid, a tissue friendly substance that occurs naturally in the body. Injected into the lips and surrounding area they instantly enhance lips and diminish the effects of wrinkles and lines. They are not collagen and they are not a Botox.

Either Juvederm, Restylane or Princess filler is injected into the skin in tiny quantities using a very fine needle. The gel gives natural volume and smoothes wrinkles and lines or plumps out lips.

The lip enhancement treatment is very quick and often takes less than 30 minutes. No skin test is required because the fillers do not contain any animal derived ingredients, unlike other hyaluronic acid based fillers.

• Natural and safe
• Contain no animal ingredients
• No skin test needed
• Give instant and long lasting results
• Biodegradable and non-permanent
• Fast treatment, takes around 30 minutes
• Clinical data supporting efficacy and safety

Some common injection-related reactions might occur - these reactions include redness, swelling, bruising or tenderness at the injection site. They typically resolve spontaneously within one or two days after treatment; however theses reactions very rarely may take longer to resolve. If syptoms persist after 2-3 days contact the clinic.

A local anaesthetic cream is applied before the treatment to numb the area to reduce any discomfort.

One of the great advantages of natural hyaluronic gel fillers is that the effects are long lasting but not permanent.

For lips, a follow-up treatment is usually needed after about 6 months, but depending on the desired look of the patient, top-ups to optimize the results may be required.

Duration can also depend on many factors, such as skin type, lifestyle, age, the degree of perfection demanded by the patient etc...

Prior to lip enhancement, it is important for the clinician to know if you have had cold sores recently or have experienced problems with cold sores in the past. This is because the cold sore virus can lie dormant in the lips and as such will not cause any problems. However by injecting the lips, the needle can stimulate the virus back into activity again and as a result cold sores can erupt at the injection sites.

Being prone to cold sores does not necessarily mean that the sores will automatically re-emerge after the treatment but there is a risk that this might happen. This risk needs to be discussed fully with the doctor during your initial consultation. It is important to remember that hyaluronic acid gel does not cause cold sores in its own right.

• Pregnancy and breast feeding are contra-indications to treatment.
• Alcohol intake should be reduced at least 24 hours before treatment.
• Medication such as aspirin may cause bruising as will high doses of vitamin E.
• Treatment cannot be performed until ceasing Roaccutane medication for 6 months.
• Sun beds, waxing, electrolysis and laser should be avoided at least 48 hours before treatment.
• Pain sensitivity may be heightened at certain times (pre-menstrual or following excessive alcohol intake).
• Bruising may be reduced by taking Arnica tablets two days before treatment.
• Risk of cold sores may be reduced by the use of Zovirax® tablets.

• Immediately after the treatment there may be slight redness, swelling, tenderness and an itching sensation in the treated area. This is a normal result of the injection. You can soothe the area by applying a cold compress or ice pack for a short amount of time. If the inconvenience continues or if other reactions occur, please contact your doctor.
• The initial swelling after treatment should last 2-3 days but may last longer. Some patients experience swelling for about a week. This means that the result directly after the treatment should not be seen as the final result.
• Avoid touching the treated area for 12 hours after the treatment. After that the area can be gently washed with soap and water and light make-up can be applied.
• Until the initial swelling and redness have resolved, do not expose the treated area to intense heat (e.g. solarium and sunbathing) or extreme cold.
• If you have previously suffered from facial cold sores, there is a risk that the needle punctures could contribute to another eruption of cold sores.
• If you are using aspirin or any similar medication, be aware that these may increase the bruising and bleeding at the injection site.