Lip fillers have become hugely popular in recent years to beautify, augment and reshape the mouth area and patients of all ages love this treatment, for a more youthful, healthy facial appearance. From her clinics in Essex, Hertfordshire and London, Dr Anita Dhunna, one of the UK’s most experienced medical facial aesthetic specialists, provides lip fillers using only the very best FDA approved products and innovative, effective techniques. If you are considering lip fillers but are not quite sure on all the facts, we have put together a list of everything you might want to know about the procedure, the products and expected results, so that you can make an informed decision on whether or not, this treatment might be suitable for your individual needs.
What are dermal fillers and how are they used in the lips?
Dermal fillers are injectable substances which are made from a synthesized version of hyaluronic acid (HA). HA is a naturally-occurring compound found in the body, protecting, hydrating and cushioning areas such as the eyes, joints, connective tissues and the skin. HA is a superb hydrator as it attracts and holds up to 1000 times its own weight in water. As we age and from around the age of 20, HA starts to deplete. Lifestyle choices such as excessive sun-bathing, smoking, repeated strenuous exercise and environmental pollution can all exacerbate this process. The depletion of HA can have a profound effect on our skin, and can also lead to the loss of other skin saving substances like collagen and elastin. The skin can start to appear lined, wrinkled, dehydrated and dry. When it comes to the lips, thin, dry skin means thinner, wrinkled lips and this can age us, dramatically. If we use HA dermal fillers in various areas of the lips and surrounding lines and wrinkles, their fullness, shape and the condition of the skin can be improved. What’s more, the trauma of injecting dermal fillers into the skin creates a healing response, which basically means that the skin will start to produce collagen in the area, offering a long term improvement in skin quality, tone and texture. Dermal lip fillers can be injected in to the vermillion boarder of the lips, the body of the lips and even in to the fine lines around the lips, commonly experienced by smokers. A specifically designed product should be used for this area, for the very best results.
Am I suitable for dermal fillers for my lips?
Before any non-surgical treatment can commence with Dr Anita Dhunna, we will request that you attend a no obligation consultation at one of her clinics in Essex, Hertfordshire or London. At this meeting, you will be able to discuss with Dr Anita Dhunna what really bothers you about your lips and how you feel it affects the rest of your facial appearance. The doctor will examine your lips and will also check your medical history, to ensure that a dermal filler lip treatment will be both suitable and safe for you to undergo. The products that Dr Anita Dhunna chooses for dermal filler lip procedures are FDA-approved and CE certified, meaning the chances of any adverse reactions are virtually nil. However, it is good practice and a duty of care to all her patients, that Dr Anita insists on an initial consultation and medical check, in order to be certain that you have no contraindications which might restrict or prevent your lip filler treatment from going ahead. Only when you are both happy to proceed, will you be invited to book your appointment for the treatment.
What happens during a lip filler treatment?
Before the dermal filler lip treatment commences, Dr Anita Dhunna may apply some topical anaesthetic to your lip area, to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. The cream can take up to 30 minutes to take effect, and in this time, you will be able to relax, read a book or check your emails whilst waiting for your lips to become numb.
Once your lips are numb, the doctor will inject specific amounts of the chosen dermal filler using either a needle or a cannula (a blunt ended needle, designed to minimise bruising) into the chosen areas for the most natural-looking and effective results. She, most likely will then massage or ‘mould’ the product in to your lips for the softest results possible. After the treatment you will be able to return home or to your daily activities, whilst adhering to some aftercare instructions. These may include:-
- Avoid touching, rubbing or sleeping on the treatment area for 24 hours
- Avoid alcohol consumption for 12 hours
- Avoid hot saunas or steam treatments for up to 48 hours
- Avoiding excessive or strenuous exercise for up to 48 hours
- Use an ice pack or arnica gel to assist with any bruising, tenderness and swelling after your treatment
Is 1ml of dermal filler enough for my lips?
It’s important not to be too fixated about the measurement of product which might be used in your treatment with Dr Anita Dhunna, as all patients are unique and have different requirements. What your friend or relative might have by means of quantity in their lips, may be much more or less than you will need. Dr Anita Dhunna will judge for herself how much product she thinks you will need, for the type of results that you are looking for and will discuss this with you in your initial consultation. She will also assess your individual face shape, lip anatomy and how your body may process the dermal filler, depending on your lifestyle choices. If you are someone who sits in the sun, exercises regularly or smokes, you may process HA faster than someone who does not, so this all needs to be taken in to consideration, when planning your dermal filler lip treatment.
Will there be any downtime after my lip filler treatment?
As with any treatment which utilises a needle or cannula, you may experience some mild swelling, light to medium bruising and tenderness for a couple of days to a week, following your dermal filler lip treatment. This is very normal and can be eased by using an ice pack, or using arnica tablets before and after your lip filler procedure. Some patients bruise more than others, so it’s important to time your lip filler treatment correctly, especially if you have a forthcoming event or special occasion where you will be on show. Dr Anita Dhunna would usually advise having a lip filler treatment around 2 weeks before a party, event or holiday, to allow for any swelling or bruising to subside.
When will I see the results from my dermal filler lip treatment with Dr Anita Dhunna?
As dermal fillers physically augment the skin tissues, you will see some results immediately. However, you will need to take in to account any swelling, post-procedure and allow this to subside, before expecting to see the optimum results. We recommend that you allow around 7 days to a fortnight for the lips to settle, the product to soften and for any lumps to ease away.
How long do the results from a lip filler treatment last?
This is the ‘million-dollar’ question that we get asked all the time, here at Dr Anita Dhunna’s clinics and the answer is not straightforward; as everyone responds differently to any injectable treatment. If you take care of your health, look after your skin and don’t smoke or sunbathe excessively, your results could last anything up to 12 months. However, excessive exercise, a poor diet, UV exposure and smoking can all lead to the product being lost from the body more quickly, thus the requirement for another treatment sooner than this period. You can discuss the expected longevity of your results with Dr Anita Dhunna at your no obligation consultation.
Dermal fillers can add volume, shape and natural beauty to lips which may need a helping hand, due to the natural ageing process. They can also help to balance any asymmetry that you might experience, or loss of volume due to weight loss or illness. Choosing the right doctor who is not only medically-trained but highly-versed in administering dermal fillers for the lips is vital for the very best results, and with Dr Anita Dhunna as your experienced practitioner, you can enjoy stunning results from your dermal filler lip treatments, for years to come.
