There are two main filler lines used, both of which contain Hyaluronic Acid. There is the NASHA technology where the filler is firmer and will last longer and is used mainly for enhancing lips. OBT or optimum-based technology range is softer with subtle volume restoration. Once the gel is slowly injected into the lips it will absorb water and hold its shape. It is the same molecule to the one that occurs naturally in the body, but has been stabilised. The stabilisation allows the filler to last six to nine months before the body completely breaks it down, rather than a few days. The key to a good result is not just based on using a good product but highly dependant on clinical and aesthetic expertise.

Lips are a very sensitive area of the face and hence the treatment can feel more uncomfortable. Dr Meyer ensures that you are suitably numb with either a topical numbing cream or a small local anaesthetic injection or both. The filler itself has local anaesthetic mixed in it and that helps make the procedure comfortable.

Please do not drink alcohol 24 hours leading up to treatment. It is advisable to avoid aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen three days before treatment to help reduce bleeding and bruising at time of the procedure.

Also, if you are prone to lip cold sores, an antiviral medication can be prescribed a few days prior to treatment to avoid any flare up. Please make us aware of this at least a week before treatment so we can help.

Post-treatment avoid makeup for 12 hours. In the first 24-48 hours, you should expect swelling, which can be considerable. This is secondary to rapid hydration of tissue as well as response to minor trauma. Bruising is common as lips have a rich blood supply. Hence if you are planning to attend an event, it is suggested that you have the procedure 2-4 weeks prior.

Procedures are not done during pregnancy and lactation.

Time is allowed for a full consultation and local anaesthesia to work prior to commencing treatment. The procedure once started takes about 20-30 minutes.

On average, lip fillers last six to nine months. Most women will top up to maintain results around that time. It is important to realise, especially for more voluminous lips, that the ultimate look you are hoping to achieve may take more than one treatment.

Lips being central form a focal point of our face. Restoring or enhancing this area can prove to be an aesthetic asset. Hence if the volume is lost due to natural ageing, then fillers can gently restore this. Any perioral creases can be addressed at the same time.

Some of us may desire a certain balance between our upper and lower lips or extra volumisation or definition.The correct filler can address all these indications.