It seems that lip fillers are becoming as common as getting a wax. They are a great way to enhance your features when done correctly. As they become more and more popular the choice of where and who does them for you becomes greater and it becomes all too easy to forget that they are a real procedure with real potential risks.
Here are some things to consider before undergoing treatment.
1. What Actually Are Lip Fillers ?
You may have heard about “getting half a ml” or “she had 2ml” . So what is this ml made of ?
There are different types of filler but the most common one is made of Hyaluronic Acid. (HA)
Rings a bell?
Yes it is the same stuff that is in your anti-aging serum that claims to reduce wrinkles and improve moisture. Hyaluronic acid is found naturally in the body and has the ability to hold on to water, this means it is perfect for a plumping effect and is super hydrating.
2. Are Lip Fillers Safe?
There are risks when it comes to injectables. Some side effects include bruising, infection, swelling and pain at the injection site however there can be complications such as necrosis ( this is when the tissues start to die if a vessel is injected ) and again not to scare you off but there have been cases of blindness due to this.
BUT when done correctly and by a medically qualified practitioner these risks are minimised and if there is a problem during the treatment they are more likely to be able to fix the issue compared to someone who isn’t. It all comes down to doing your research on who is injecting you, their qualifications and their experience.
3. Do Lip Fillers Hurt?
A numbing cream is usually applied before and some brands of lip filler contain a numbing ingredient in them, it is not the worlds most pleasant feeling but depending on your pain threshold it is bearable for most people. Some people describe it as a sharp scratch.
4. How Much Should I Be Paying For Lip Fillers?
This varies on a number of factors, you can expect to be paying anywhere between £120 to £300 depending on the brand, how much you need and the practitioner.
When it comes to injectable treatments cheaper is not always better and I would not recommend choosing where to go based on the price per ml.
5. Who Is Injecting Me?
Doctors, nurses, dentists and pharmacist’s usually carry out these treatments and they are all registered to a specific governing body. I would think twice about going to someone who doesn’t hold a medical qualification or who is not registered with a governing body.
Other things to check would if they have valid insurance and appropriate training. There are a lot of injectors who are not medically qualified and if something goes wrong they may not be able to help you.
6. What If I Hate Them?
Lip fillers are reversible, if you get them and decide they are not for you they can be dissolved. This is a last resort because it is not cheap and can get rid of some of the natural plumpness of your lips.
I always recommend starting of with 0.5ml and then working your way up. It gives you a clearer idea of what you want and the final look you want to achieve.
It is also vital to be very clear with your practitioner about the what it is that you are aiming for so they can use the best technique to try and meet your requirements.
7. How Long Do They Last?
This can vary, you will probably need a top up sooner the first time you have them. They can last anywhere between 4-9 months, longer for some and less for others.
8. What Can I Expect After A Treatment?
Your lips may seem fuller than you wanted or expected straight after, this is because they are swollen (may be something to do with the needle you just had in them). You can also experience redness, pain and tenderness. This can last for up to 24 hours. If you feel uncertain about anything I would always recommend bugging your practitioner.
There are certain activities you cannot do after such as taking a hot shower, sauna, exercise, and wearing makeup.
