Everything you need to know about lip fillers

If you’re looking to “plump your pout” to get that ravishing, celebrity look – then we would suggest considering the merits of lip fillers. But what exactly are they? Well, in a nutshell – obtaining lip fillers will see you undergo a cosmetic treatment process that entails having a dermal filler injected into your lips. While a number of different options are present, the procedure is best undertaken by a qualified cosmetic surgeon. 

Moreover, it is also important to note that lip fillers are anything but permanent. On the contrary, if you plan to retain that all-important ravishing look that dermal fillers offer, then you will likely need to repeat the process at least every three to six months. With that being said – and as is the case with any cosmetic treatment, it is crucial that you have a firm understanding of what lip fillers are and how the end-to-end process works. 

As such, we have compiled a comprehensive guide that contains everything that you need to know. If by reading our guide from start to finish you find that you still have questions or concerns that need answering, feel free to contact us here at the practice. One of our trained representatives will be happy to help.

What are lip fillers?

In its most basic form, lip fillers are simply dermal fillers that are injected into your lips. The overarching objective required from patients is to achieve a fuller, more ravishing look that looks somewhat ‘plumped’. In fact, the process of obtaining plumped lips is now a super-popular trend in the celebrity scene, with the likes of Kylie Jenner and Rihanna two of the most high-profile proponents of the look!

Terminology wise, ‘lip fillers’, ‘dermal fillers’, and ‘hyaluronic acid fillers’ are often used interchangeably, albeit, they typically refer to one of the same thing. Nevertheless, it is crucial to note that the specific substance that your qualified surgeon decides to use can vary. 

For example, some dermal fillers are best suited for that ‘subtle look’, while others will concentrate on a more ‘plush’ result. Either way, you will have the opportunity to speak with a trained specialist prior to undergoing treatment to ensure that you stand the best chance possible of realizing your desired look.

How does the lip filler process work?

Before you begin the lip filler treatment process, you will first need to meet a qualified surgeon at your chosen practice. This will initially allow you to explain the type of look you are aiming for. We would suggest bringing a photo of your desired look, as this will ensure the surgeon knows exactly what you are aiming for. 

The consultation meeting will also allow the specialist to explain what your options are, how the process works, and any risks that you need to make considerations for. Finally, you will also have the opportunity to ask any questions or concerns that you might have.

In terms of the procedure itself, lip fillers rarely take more than 20 minutes to facilitate. A mild numbing cream can be applied at least 30 minutes before the procedure if requested to  ensure that the slight discomfort associated with lip fillers is minimized. The lip filler is either injected directly or using a cannula into the target area. 

Do lip fillers hurt? Is the treatment painful?

While the internet is jam-packed with so-called ‘horror stories’ surrounding lip fillers, the process is one of the safest, pain-free treatments in the cosmetic space – albeit, this is on the proviso that it has been performed by a qualified surgeon. Nevertheless, this is also why you will have a mild numbing cream applied to the lip area prior to the treatment . The numbing sensation of the cream will rarely last for more than 15-20 minutes after the procedure. 

Crucially, as long as you are having the treatment performed by a qualified cosmetic surgeon, the experience is as close to pain-free as you will get. The best way to describe the sensation that you will feel during the procedure is a slight ‘pinching’ feeling.

While the process itself is virtually pain-free, most patients will experience an element of swelling once the treatment has been completed. This usually lasts for up to 24 hours post-treatment, although it won’t be anything severe enough to get in the way of your day-to-day tasks. However, the surgeon might request that you refrain from physical exercise for a few days, not least because the increased blood flow could have a negative impact on your results.

What results should I expect from lip fillers?

In the vast majority of cases, you should see the end-result of your lip fillers as soon as the treatment process has concluded. This allows you to make a near-instant judgment on whether or not you are happy with the outcome. While most patients are perfectly happy with their new plumped look, there might come a time where you decide that the treatment wasn’t for you. 

How long do dermal fillers last for?

As we briefly noted earlier in our guide, lip fillers are not permanent. If you’re a huge fan of your new plumped look, you will need to repeat the treatment process indefinitely. There is no hard and fast rule as to how long your lip fillers will last for and thus – how frequently you will need to return to the practice to repeat the process. 

This is because the specific time will vary depending on the type of dermal filler being used, and the make-up of the patient. For example, those with a fast metabolism will often find that the results of lip fillers do not last as long, meaning that you will need to repeat the process more often. Nevertheless, in most cases, this will range from three to six months. 

Ultimately, you as the patient will be the best judge of when you feel you need a top-up.

How much do lip fillers cost?

As is the case with the frequency at which you will need to repeat the process, the specific costs associated with lip fillers can vary wildly. More specifically, this will depend on the type of dermal filler that you opt for. 

In order to get a tailor-made price on the treatment, you will need to meet with the cosmetic surgeon as per the consultation period. You will then be able to make an informed decision as to whether or not the costs involved with lip fillers are right for you.

Why do I need to use a qualified specialist?

It is absolutely fundamental that you only proceed with the lip fillers process via a registered practice – with the procedure being undertaken by a qualified surgeon. Failure to do so can lead to disastrous results. In fact, you won’t need to search long and hard to find examples of how the process can go terribly wrong. Not only does this include the possibility of a painful experience – both during and after the treatment, but it can also lead to further complications surrounding infection. 

If such an adverse outcome does occur, this will always be because the person performing the treatment was not qualified or legally certified to do so. On the contrary, the process might have been performed at a low-cost spa or clandestine treatment centre that has no regard for the patient’s health, safety, or well being. While you might be able to save yourself some money by using an unqualified therapist, is it really worth the risk? Absolutely not.

Instead, you are best advised to use a trained cosmetic surgeon that has the required remit to perform lip fillers. In doing so, you can ensure that the process not only yields the desired outcome, but that it is undertaken in a safe and secure manner.

Is it safe to get lip fillers done overseas?

Much like in the case of the cosmetic surgeon tasked with undergoing the procedure, it is fundamental that you make some considerations about the location of the practice. For example, legislation surrounding cosmetic and surgical procedures in the European Union – which Malta follows, is extremely stringent. 

Both the cosmetic surgeon and the practice in question must ensure that strict regulations are complied with, subsequently ensuring that you as the patient undergo the lip filler process in the safest of environments. 

However, this is unfortunately not the case in other parts of the world. While we will not engage in the naming and shaming of well-known culprits, it must be noted that certain nations will offer low-cost lip fillers to those on a budget. While they might well meet their promise on pricing, rarely will such procedures be performed in a safe manner.