Lip filler is a procedure in which a substance (usually hyaluronic acid) is injected into the lips and/or border to increase volume, define shape, correct asymmetries or smooth out lip lines (the vertical lines above the upper lip).

99% of lip fillers used today are made of hyaluronic acid (HA). It's a molecule that already exists naturally in our bodies (in the skin, joints, eyes) and attracts and retains water like a sponge. When injected, it integrates into the tissue and provides volume and hydration.

No. Hyaluronic acid is the gold standard because it's safe, has predictable results, is reversible and dissolves over time. Other materials (such as biopolymers, liquid silicone or permanent fillers) are dangerous and not approved for cosmetic use in most countries.

In the lips, hyaluronic acid lasts less than in other areas of the face because the lips are in constant motion (we talk, eat, kiss). Average duration is 6 to 12 months. Some denser products can last up to 12-18 months.

Yes. Hyaluronic acid is biodegradable. The body naturally metabolises it and it disappears completely. No residues remain. Once absorbed, the lips return to their original state.

No. When the filler absorbs, the lips return to their original state. They don't become more flaccid or more wrinkled than before treatment. It may seem that way because you get used to seeing yourself with more volume, but it's a psychological perception, not a real change.

Legally, from age 18. Medically, it's recommended to wait until the face has finished developing, around 20-22 years old. Before that age, the lips are still developing and it's not necessary.

Yes. More and more men are getting lip filler, although they usually look for more subtle results: defining the border, correcting asymmetries, adding a little volume without it being noticeable that they've had something done.

"Russian lips" (or "Russian lip technique") is a filler technique that aims to give height to the lip (project it forward) rather than giving it a lot of outward volume. The result is a higher lip, with a heart shape and a more "three-dimensional" appearance. It's an advanced technique that requires a lot of precision.

Traditional filler is injected more into the border and body of the lip, giving a more "fleshy" outward result. The Russian technique is injected vertically, lifting the lip upward and creating a subtle but elevated "duck lip" effect. Not all patients are candidates for Russian lips; it depends on your lip anatomy.

"Duck lips" is an undesirable aesthetic result in which the upper lip projects too far outward, creating an appearance similar to a duck's bill. It's caused by: excessive volume (more than 1ml in one session), poorly distributed filler (only in the border, without giving volume to the lip body), or using a product that's too dense for the lips.

No. A good aesthetic doctor knows what a natural result is and knows how to achieve it: small amounts (0.5ml), appropriate product, homogeneous distribution. If you ask for natural and end up with duck lips, something has gone wrong.

1ml is a 1cm x 1cm x 1cm cube. In the lips, 1ml is a significant amount. For a first time, 1ml might be too much. The ideal is to start with 0.5ml for a subtle result, and if you want more, add in a second session.

0.5ml: very subtle. Ideal for the first time, to add a little hydration and define the border. 1ml: noticeable change. You can tell you've had something done, but it can still be natural if injected well. 1.5ml or more: drastic change. High risk of duck lips. Only for second sessions.

Yes. In fact, it's the smartest thing to do for a first time. Start with 0.5ml, wait 2-3 weeks for the swelling to go down, and if you want more, get another 0.5ml. It's better to go from less to more than to have to dissolve an excess.

Yes. The vertical lines of the upper lip (the "barcode") are greatly smoothed with a small amount of hyaluronic acid injected right on the border line. It's one of the most rewarding techniques.

Steps: Initial consultation → informed consent signing → cleaning and disinfection → anaesthesia (cream or nerve block) → injection with cannula or needle → massage to distribute the product → ice to reduce initial swelling. Total duration: 30-45 minutes.

The lips are a very sensitive area. Without anaesthesia, it would hurt a lot. With anaesthesia, it doesn't hurt. You may feel the pressure of the product entering, but not sharp pain. Many fillers already include lidocaine (local anaesthetic) in their composition to make the procedure more comfortable.

Yes. The lips are extremely sensitive. Anaesthesia is mandatory. Either anaesthetic cream is used (30-40 minutes before) or, more effectively, a mental nerve block (anaesthetic injection into the gum, similar to the dentist's). Many products already include lidocaine in the syringe.

The procedure itself is quick: about 20-30 minutes including anaesthesia and injections. Including the prior consultation and immediate post-procedure care, you may be in the clinic for about 45-60 minutes.

No. When finished, the lips are swollen. They can look 30-50% larger than the final result will be. You need to wait 1-2 weeks for the swelling to go down to see the real result.

Yes, it's very common. The lips are highly vascularised. Haematomas (bruises) are small and disappear in 3-7 days. Don't panic. Using a cannula significantly reduces the appearance of haematomas compared to a needle.

The definitive result is seen at 2-4 weeks, when the swelling has completely disappeared and the product has integrated into the tissue. The final result is smooth, natural and the filler is not noticeable to the touch.

Yes. It's very common to leave the clinic and think "Oh my God, how huge!". Don't panic. That swelling will go down. Don't panic in the first few days. Maximum swelling occurs at 24-48 hours and begins to decrease from day 3.

No. The needle/cannula entry points are open wounds. Makeup can introduce bacteria and cause infection. Wait at least 24 hours.

No. Alcohol dilates blood vessels and increases the risk of bruising and swelling. Avoid it for 24-48 hours.

No for several reasons: it irritates the lips, increases the risk of infection, the heat from the cigarette can increase swelling, and tobacco accelerates the degradation of hyaluronic acid (it will last less time).

Better to wait 48 hours. Kissing involves suction and pressure, which can displace the freshly injected product. Also, saliva contains bacteria that can infect the entry points.

No. A good filler integrates perfectly into the lip tissue and is not noticeable to the touch. If you feel a hard lump or bump, something is wrong.

Not for the first 48 hours. Intense exercise increases blood pressure and blood flow, which can increase swelling and bruising. Wait 48 hours.

Not for the first 48-72 hours. Intense heat (sauna) or excessive sweating (gym) can increase swelling and the risk of infection.

Better not. Sleeping face down presses the lips against the pillow, which can displace the product or increase swelling. Try to sleep on your back for the first few nights.

Yes. Applying ice wrapped in a cloth (never directly) for 10-15 minutes several times a day helps reduce swelling and bruising during the first 24-48 hours.

Yes. Hyaluronic acid can be dissolved with an enzyme called hyaluronidase. Within 24-48 hours, the filler disappears. It's the great advantage of HA over other materials. If the result is not satisfactory, it can be completely reversed.

Hyaluronidase is an enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid molecules. It is injected into the same area where the filler is and, within hours, dissolves the product. It's the "magic eraser" for hyaluronic acid fillers.

Lumps are one of the most common complications. If they are small, they can be massaged gently. If they persist, they can be dissolved with hyaluronidase. Inflammatory lumps are treated with corticosteroids or by dissolving the product.

The Tyndall effect is a bluish or greyish discolouration that appears when hyaluronic acid is injected too superficially. It is more common on the lip border. It is dissolved with hyaluronidase and reinjected at the correct depth.

Yes, it's possible, though extremely rare. If the product is injected into an artery that supplies the nose and that artery connects to the ophthalmic artery (which goes to the eye), it can cause blindness. That's why only an experienced doctor should do it.

Yes. Necrosis is tissue death due to lack of blood supply. Signs include: severe pain, pallor (whitening), purple discolouration and eventually black. If detected early, it's treated with hyaluronidase, local heat and massage.

Yes, although it's rare if sterility is maintained. Infections can be acute (abscess, fever, pain) or late (granulomas, biofilms). Herpes infections are the most common in people with a history.

Not if it's active. If you have an active cold sore, the injection can spread it across the lip. Wait until the lesion has completely healed. If you have a history, the doctor will prescribe prophylactic antivirals (acyclovir, valacyclovir).

No. There are no safety studies of hyaluronic acid in pregnancy. As a precaution, it's not recommended.

No. They're moisturising creams with ingredients that slightly irritate the skin so it swells a bit (like mint or ginger). The effect is temporary (hours) and very mild. They don't compare to an injection.

No. Suction devices create temporary oedema from suction. The effect lasts minutes or hours. Also, they can cause bruising or damage capillaries if overused. Not a real alternative to filler.

PRP (platelet-rich plasma) improves skin quality and can provide some hydration, but it doesn't add volume. It's not a filler. If you want volume, you need hyaluronic acid.

In the UK, typical prices are: 0.5ml £180-300, 1ml £220-450, 1.5-2ml (in separate sessions) £450-700. Prices vary depending on the brand (Juvederm, Restylane, Teosyal, Belotero), the doctor's experience and the clinic's location.

Very cheap (£50-100): either fake product, diluted product, or done by a non-medic. Run away. Average price (£220-450): authentic product, experienced doctor, clinic with guarantees. Very expensive (>£550): may be justified by the doctor's experience or brand.

A trustworthy doctor will show you the sealed vial before opening it. The syringe must have a security seal and the packaging must include the lot number and expiration date. If they don't show you, don't get it.

It can be a disaster: necrosis (lip death), serious infection, allergic reaction to unknown substances, permanent lumps. If you get injected with biopolymers or silicone, the only treatment is surgery to try to remove the material, and often it's impossible to remove completely.

Yes. Subtle lip filler is widely accepted. Exaggerated filler (duck lips) can draw criticism. As with everything, the key is moderation. A natural result goes unnoticed: people will notice that "you look good" without knowing why.

No, if done well. A good filler respects lip anatomy and doesn't interfere with the smile muscles. If you notice you're smiling strangely, something is wrong (probably too much product).

No, if done well. The lips are important for pronouncing some letters (p, b, m, f, v). Too much volume can interfere slightly, but with natural filler you shouldn't notice any difference.

For many people, correcting an aesthetic insecurity (very thin lips, asymmetrical) improves their self-esteem. But filler is not psychological therapy. If the problem is deep self-acceptance, filler may not solve it.

If done by an expert doctor, with authentic product and under sterile conditions, the risk is very low. It's not silly. It's a personal decision about your body and your appearance. What is silly is getting it done in someone's house with a friend who "knows how to do it".

A procedure that injects hyaluronic acid into the lips to increase volume, define the border, correct asymmetries or smooth out lip lines (the vertical lines above the upper lip).

Between 6 and 12 months, depending on metabolism, product and area.

With local anaesthesia (cream or nerve block), it doesn't hurt. You may feel pressure, but not sharp pain. Many fillers already include lidocaine.

Between £200 and £550 per 1ml syringe. Very low prices (less than £100) are suspicious.

No. Only a licensed doctor can inject fillers. It's an invasive medical procedure.

Yes, with hyaluronidase. Within 24-48 hours the hyaluronic acid disappears.

In the hands of an expert doctor, serious complications (necrosis, blindness) are extremely rare (<0.01%). Bruises and lumps are more common, but reversible.

The cannula is safer because it drastically reduces the risk of puncturing a blood vessel. Also, it causes fewer bruises.

Not if it's active. If you have a history, you should take antivirals before and after.

It can cause chronic inflammation, migration, lumps, necrosis and permanent deformities. These materials are banned for cosmetic use.

Yes, if done by an expert doctor, with authentic product and in moderation. Properly done lip filler can improve your self-esteem and your appearance.