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What are Lip Fillers?

Lip Fillers are injectable treatments that use hyaluronic acid-based gel formulations to enhance the volume, shape, and structure of the lips.

This versatile aesthetic procedure can address multiple concerns including thin lips, asymmetry, lost volume due to aging, or simply enhance the natural lip shape.

Hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally found in the body, attracts and retains moisture, providing hydration and structure to create fuller, more defined lips. Modern lip filler techniques focus on creating natural-looking results that enhance your facial harmony while maintaining the unique character of your lips.

Last updated: 08/04/2025 | Next revision date 08/10/2025

Key Components

Benefits of Lip Fillers

1 / Natural Volume Enhancement

Adds fullness to thin lips or restores lost volume while maintaining proportions that complement your facial features and preserve your unique lip character.

2 / Defined Lip Border

Creates crisp, well-defined vermilion borders (the edge of the colored part of the lips) that can diminish with age, enhancing the lip shape without appearing overdone.

3 / Improved Lip Symmetry

Addresses natural asymmetry between the upper and lower lip or between the left and right sides, creating balanced, harmonious proportions.

4 / Smoothed Lip Lines

Reduces fine vertical lines around the lips (smoker's lines or barcode lines) that occur with aging, creating a smoother, more youthful appearance.

5 / Lifted Mouth Corners

Subtly elevates downturned corners of the mouth that can create a permanent sad or angry appearance, resulting in a more positive resting expression.

Procedure Details
 

Pre-Treatment Consultation

  • Comprehensive Assessment: Your practitioner will evaluate your natural lip shape, symmetry, and surrounding facial features to determine the most flattering approach.

  • Medical History Review: Discussion of any medical conditions, medications, supplements, previous injectable treatments, and history of cold sores or oral herpes.

  • Expectation Management: Honest conversation about achievable results, desired look, and number of syringes likely needed to achieve your goals.

  • Treatment Planning: Development of a personalised approach addressing specific concerns like volume, definition, symmetry, or proportion.

  • Photography: Before photos taken from multiple angles to document your starting point and assist with consistent treatment.

Preparation

To prepare for your Lip Filler treatment:

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  • Avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements (with your doctor's approval) such as aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E, fish oil, and ginkgo biloba for 7-10 days prior

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  • Refrain from alcohol consumption 24-48 hours before treatment to reduce bruising risk

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  • If you have a history of cold sores, prophylactic antiviral medication may be prescribed

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  • Arrive with clean lips free of makeup if possible

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  • Consider scheduling your appointment at least two weeks before any major event

During the Treatment

  • Preparation: Your lips and surrounding area will be thoroughly cleansed and disinfected

  • Documentation: Pre-treatment photos may be taken as reference points

  • Numbing: Topical anesthetic cream and/or dental block may be applied for maximum comfort

  • Mapping: Key injection points may be marked to ensure symmetrical results

  • Injection: Using fine needles or cannulas, the filler is precisely placed in specific areas according to your treatment plan

  • Assessment: Your practitioner will regularly check symmetry and shape throughout the procedure

  • Massage: Gentle manipulation may be performed to shape the filler and ensure smooth distribution

  • Final Review: A final assessment ensures balanced, natural-looking results

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The entire procedure typically takes 30-45 minutes. Most clients experience minimal discomfort thanks to the anesthetic cream and lidocaine in the filler product.

Post-Treatment Care

Ice Application

Apply cold compresses intermittently (10 minutes on, 10 minutes off) for the first 24 hours to reduce swelling, minimise bruising, and control discomfort without placing direct pressure on the treated area.

Sleeping Position

Sleep with your head elevated on multiple pillows for the first 2-3 nights to minimise fluid retention and reduce morning swelling, helping your lips settle more quickly into their final shape.

Hydration

Increase water intake for several days after treatment to support optimal hydration of the hyaluronic acid filler, enhancing integration and potentially extending longevity of results.

Makeup Guidance

Wait at least 24 hours before applying lipstick or lip products, and choose clean, fresh makeup products to minimise infection risk at injection sites that haven't fully closed.

Gentle Lip Care

​Cleanse lips gently and apply only recommended moisturizers or balms, avoiding harsh products, exfoliants, or pressure that could displace filler before it fully integrates.

Temperature Extremes

Stay away from excessive heat (saunas, hot yoga, sunbathing) and extreme cold for one week as temperature extremes can exacerbate swelling and potentially affect filler integration.

Results & Recovery

1

Immediate Benefits

  • Appearance: Immediately after injection, your lips will appear larger than your final result due to initial swelling​

  • Sensation: Your lips may feel firm or slightly tender to touch​

  • Swelling Progression: Swelling typically increases over the first 24-48 hours before gradually subsiding​

  • Activity Restrictions: Most normal activities can be resumed immediately, with few limitations

2

Recovery Timeline

  • 24-48 Hours: Peak swelling period; lips may appear unevenly swollen​

  • Days 3-5: Majority of swelling subsides; any bruising begins to resolve​

  • Days 7-10: Lips settle into their new shape; true results become visible​

  • Days 14-21: Complete integration of filler; final, natural-looking results established

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3

Results Timeline

  • Initial Appearance: Immediate volume enhancement, though obscured by swelling

  • True Results: Visible after 2 weeks when swelling completely resolves

  • Duration: Results typically last 6-12 months ​

  • Gradual Dissolution: Filler breaks down naturally and gradually over time

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Considerations:
Is This Treatment Right for You?

Potential Side Effects

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  • Common and Expected:

    • Temporary swelling (significant in the first 48 hours)

    • Bruising at injection sites

    • Tenderness or mild pain when pressure is applied

    • Temporary asymmetry during the settling phase

    • Redness at injection points

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  • Less Common:

    • Lumps or uneven texture (often temporary and massage-responsive)

    • Prolonged swelling beyond one week

    • Cold sore activation in susceptible individuals

    • Mild itching sensation

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  • Rare Complications:

    • Vascular occlusion (blood vessel blockage requiring immediate attention)

    • Tissue necrosis

    • Infection at injection sites

    • Granuloma formation

    • Allergic reaction to the filler material

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Special Considerations

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  • Dental Procedures: Schedule dental appointments at least two weeks before or after lip filler treatments

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  • Previous Treatments: Inform your practitioner about any previous lip enhancement procedures

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  • Cold Sore History: Prophylactic antiviral medication may be recommended

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  • Upcoming Events: Plan treatment at least two weeks before important events

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  • Dissolution Option: While hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved if needed, this process carries its own risks and recovery period

Hertford Cosmetics | Dermal Filler Treatments

Dermal Filler Treatments

Dermal filler treatments restore volume and enhance facial contours for a naturally rejuvenated look. Ideal for plumping lips, defining cheekbones, and smoothing deep lines, fillers provide instant, long-lasting results without surgery.

Dermal Filler Treatments:

Lips

£140

Russian lips

£180

Smile lines/ marionette lines

£160

Chin

£160

Cheeks

£220

Jaw

Nose (liquid Rhinoplasty)

Tear trough

£220

£160

£250

Filler Packages:

Cheeks & lips

Nasal folds and smile lines

Jaw & Chin

Full Works: Cheeks, chin, lips & Jaw

£290

£300

£320

£780

Hertford Cosmetics | Dermal Filler Packages

Filler Packages

Discover our tailored dermal filler packages designed to enhance your natural beauty. Choose from options targeting the jaw and chin, cheeks and lips, lips and smile lines, or comprehensive enhancements for cheeks, chin, lips, nose, and jaw. Achieve a balanced, youthful appearance with natural-looking volume and definition that lasts.

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    Enzyme peels can be beneficial for acne-prone skin by removing dead cells and debris that contribute to pore congestion. Certain enzyme formulations also have natural antibacterial properties. While enzyme peels alone may not be sufficient for severe acne, they can be an excellent complementary treatment within a comprehensive acne management plan. They're particularly helpful for mild acne and preventing future breakouts.
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    At Hertford Cosmetics, lip filler treatments start from £140. Most first-time clients require one syringe, while those seeking more dramatic results or with very thin lips may need additional product, sometimes administered over multiple sessions. Detailed pricing is provided during your consultation based on your specific treatment plan.
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  • What are Lip Fillers?
    Everything you need to know about Lip Fillers: Our comprehensive guide explains what lip fillers are, the benefits, treatment process, recovery & expected results. Read our Fact Sheet on What are Lip Fillers
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    Lip fillers typically last 6-12 months, though this varies significantly between individuals. Factors affecting longevity include the specific product used, your metabolism, the amount injected, and how much you use your mouth (talking, kissing, facial expressions). First-time treatments sometimes metabolise faster, with subsequent treatments often lasting longer. Many clients schedule maintenance treatments every 6-9 months to maintain consistent results.
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    Yes, but special precautions are necessary. Injectable treatments can potentially trigger a herpes simplex (cold sore) outbreak in those with a history of the condition. We typically recommend prophylactic antiviral medication starting the day before treatment and continuing for several days afterward to prevent an outbreak. Always inform us about any history of cold sores during your consultation.
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  • How much swelling should I expect?
    Swelling varies significantly between individuals but is an expected part of the healing process. Most clients experience noticeable swelling for 24-72 hours, with the most significant swelling occurring the morning after treatment. Applying cold compresses, sleeping with your head elevated, and staying well-hydrated can help minimise swelling. Complete resolution typically occurs within 7-10 days, revealing your true results.
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  • How do I book Baby Botox?
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    No, the Hydrafacial is known for being painless and even relaxing. Many clients describe the sensation as refreshing, similar to a light massage. The extraction process, which can be uncomfortable with traditional facials, is gentle and painless with Hydrafacial's suction technology.
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    Everything you need to know about Hydrafacial: Our comprehensive guide explains what Hydrafacial is, the benefits, treatment steps, recovery & expected results. Read our Fact Sheet on What is a Hydrafacial
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