LIP FILLER TREATMENT
with dermal fillers
There are many factors to consider when treating the lips and there are many characteristics that make a lip enhancement more visually and aesthetically appealing.
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Hydration of the lips: they don’t look dry and flaky. Lips can become dry and when applying lipstick, it can start to bleed making the lines appear deeper and more prominent.
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Symmetry between the left and right side of the lips: i.e. one side is smaller or larger than the other.
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The balance of the top and bottom lip in reference to the golden ratio of 1:1.618. This is a mathematical concept that implies the closer the face is to these ratios, the closer it is to perfection. It is a measurement used to measure beauty. The size of the top lip ratios in comparison to the bottom lip size can also be measured by 1/3 (top lip): 2/3 (bottom lip). This can be an easier measurement for patients to visualise.
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Defined outer vermillion border. This border can start to lose its outline and definition with age.
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Projection of the upper and lower lips in reference to the nose and chin projection, to assess lip pout. We use the Ricketts E-line that looks at the projection from the nose, lips to the chin in a straight line. Lips become flatter due to age.
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The upper lip peaks at the cupid’s bow, with a gentle curve. This becomes less prominent and flatter due to age.
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How is a lip filler treatment performed?
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The procedure involves injecting a dermal filler that is made up of hyaluronic acid. It is a naturally occurring substance (complex sugar) that adds volume, and softens and smooths out creases and wrinkles, while providing structure, support, definition and skin elasticity. These sugars are already present in your body and skin and these start to diminish as we age.
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Patient comfort and safety is paramount so we have a range of anaesthetics and also use a cannula for enhancing the lips. Compared to a needle, these are a blunt instrument that limits the number of times needed to break the skin surface, reducing the risk of bruising and swelling, for improved patient comfort. Sometimes a combination of cannula and needle is needed to achieve the desired result.
CAN I HAVE LINES AROUND MY LIPS TREATED AT THE SAME TIME AS MY LIP FILLER?
Yes, the whole area around the mouth is regularly treated at the same time as volumising the lips. When performing a lip filler treatment, we also assess the perioral volume and support, perioral lines, the downturn corners of the mouth, hydration, support and presence of fine lines, wrinkles and folds. These can all be addressed and will be assessed when treating the lips with dermal fillers.
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Dermal filler to support the surrounding tissue and assessing the degree of volume loss around the mouth can help the dermal filler in the lip last longer. If there is a loss of support to the surrounding area, the lips also have less support.
Can more than 1 ml of filler be injected into the lips?
Some patients require multiple syringes and treatments to build up their lips to the desired fullness. At each appointment only 1 ml will be injected into the lip itself for patient safety.
Some patients require perioral support also so might need 1 ml injected around the mouth, and 1 ml into the lip itself. This will be discussed during the consultation where we assess the degree of volume loss.
What type of lip enhancements are there?
Lips come in a variety of sizes, shapes and vary greatly so every lip treatment is unique. A specific filler or technique used on one patient, is not necessarily the best result for another patient. This is why the consultation is so important, so we can discuss your lip goals and devise a treatment plan specific to you.
Younger patients generally want a fuller more noticeable lip and are less concerned with definition or fine lines.
Mature patients generally seek a subtle plumping lip, are more concerned with reducing fine lines, want more hydration, more definition, and to prevent their lipstick from bleeding.
Whatever look you seek, we will work with you to create natural age-appropriate lip enhancements with a range of premium dermal fillers to cater for a subtle lip, more prominent lip or a firmer more structured lip.
We can also perform a lip treatment that hydrates and defines without volumising the lips.
This is not just a treatment for women- it is also becoming more popular with men. Whatever the age, gender, look of the lips, or size of the lips- they will all be assessed and treated to balance your facial features and proportions.
How do I make an appointment?
The first step is to make an appointment for a consultation. During the consultation a full facial assessment is performed where we will tailor your treatment plan specific to your lips. Your medical history will be reviewed and it gives you the opportunity to speak with a doctor about your treatment. It is during this time the risks, treatment itself and post care instructions are discussed. You will be given all the information needed to make your informed decision.