Lip Treatment

Emma will apply an anaesthetic cream to the lips to numb them. This takes about 30 minutes to work and the treatment takes 15-20 minutes. An hour will be allowed for your appointment.

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring sugar chain molecule found in all skin and soft tissues throughout the body, identical across species.

Dermal fillers are manufactured, usually through fermentation and cross linking with proteins to produce a clear, sterile gel for injection into the skin.

In the UK, there are over 160 brands on the market due in some part to weak regulation.  Not all hyaluronic acids are the same, each brand has a range of ‘tissue tailored’ products designed for specific results. One size does not fit all. At this clinic we use only tried and tested brands. If you have a particular brand you prefer, please discuss with Emma.

Leading and well-established brands include Restylane, Teosyal, Belotero, Teoxane, Juvederm, Aliaxin. (all with registered trademarks) Emma is not wedded to a particular brand, but selects the right product for the outcome desired.

Lips can swell, more so in the first 12 hours or so and the swelling can take up to 2 weeks to settle completely.
You may also have some degree of bruising which can take up to ten days to fade. Emma will advise on how to manage.

Lip Treatment is safe, but not risk free. Emma will discuss all the risks and benefits with you at the consultation and again prior to treatment.

Emma will take a detailed medical history to ensure you have no conditions that might increase risk of unwanted side effects. Consultation is also important to discuss your expectations and whether this treatment is able to meet them.

Lip Treatment need not be painful.

Most leading brands also contain a local anaesthetic, and we can/will apply topical anaesthetic cream, or ice, prior to treatment to numb the lip.

Longevity does vary between products, and between individuals, but most will last between 6 months and 18 months.  Life-style factors can effect longevity.  If you choose not to maintain the results with further treatment, your lips will return to their pre-treatment state over time.

Most people can continue with normal activities with immediate improvement in their appearance. Some will have some redness, pin prick marks, possibly swelling- particularly in the lips. Possibly bruising. Any swelling and bruising may be more apparent the next day.

For one hour following lip treatment

To avoid burning your lips avoid hot drinks until the anaesthetic has worn-off

For 6 hours

To avoid infection:

• Do not reapply make-up
• Do not wear tight head-gear such as bike or cycle helmets, or riding hats, these will not be clean and may increase risk of infection
• Keep your hands clean and avoid touching your face
• Avoid using your mobile phone against the treated area
• Don’t let pets lick your face
• Sleep on clean pillow cases

Until any redness, swelling or bruising has settled

To minimize discomfort and help it settle, avoid extremes of heat or cold or vigorous exercise, until any swelling, bruising or tenderness has settled.

Swelling may worsen in the first 24 hours, and then should settle within the first few days. Cold packs can be helpful in reducing swelling. Be sure not to apply ice directly to the skin or for too long. This can cause a ‘freeze burn’. Because of swelling, the product may feel harder or lumpy and you may notice some asymmetry. The final result may be judged at 2 weeks.

Bruising may take a few days to appear, arnica can be helpful in clearing bruising.  It is advisable to avoid aspirin and alcohol for 12-48 hours after treatment. Tenderness should settle as swelling goes down. If you have bruising which concerns you, do contact Emma for further advice.

Athletes should be aware some ingredients in the product may show a positive in ‘anti-dope tests’.

Please contact Emma urgently if the skin appears pale, dusky, or mottled, these are symptoms which may indicate the filler is obstructing a blood vessel. These symptoms occur within hours rather than days.

Contact Emma without delay if redness, tenderness, itching or swelling worsens after 3 days, rather than settling.

Please do not hesitate to make contact if you have any concerns.