Lips by Dr N

The lip queen

Other injectors call me the lip queen, and their trust is the review I value most. They know exactly what bad lip filler looks like, and how easy it is to do.

Good lips are not about volume. They are about proportion, landmarks and the teeth behind them, and I read all three as a dentist before I pick up a syringe.

What is it?

Hyaluronic acid filler, placed to add shape, definition, support or hydration. Your body breaks it down gradually over time.

It can also be corrective, for lips that feel too full, look uneven, or have filler sitting beyond the lip border.

Why I might recommend it

Lips that have thinned, lost definition, become uneven or feel dry. For some patients it is restoring the shape they used to have. For others it is balancing a proportion that has always bothered them.

With previous over-treatment, the aim is to bring the lips back into proportion first, and only then decide whether anything needs adding.

Who it suits

• People who want a subtle, natural improvement rather than an obvious change
• Patients whose lips have thinned, lost shape or become uneven
• Anyone unhappy with previous lip filler who would like a careful assessment
• First-time patients who feel nervous and want to start very conservatively

Lip filler is not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or if you have an active cold sore or infection.

What I consider when deciding

Your lips in the context of your face. Lips that suit one face can look out of place on another. I look at your mouth, chin, nose and profile before deciding what, if anything, the lips need.

Your teeth and your smile. Many people don’t realise how much the lips depend on what sits behind them. As a dentist by training, I look at how your teeth support your lips, how much of them show when you speak and smile, and whether a change in tooth position or wear is affecting lip shape. Sometimes the concern isn’t really the lips at all.

The balance between upper and lower lip. In many faces, a slightly fuller lower lip looks natural. An overfilled upper lip is a common reason lips look treated.

Natural landmarks. The lip border, Cupid’s bow and the small columns above the upper lip give lips their character. I respect these rather than blur them.

What has been done before. If you have had filler before, I need to know when, how much and where. I examine for any filler that has moved or built up. Where previous filler needs to be dissolved, that decision is made only after a face-to-face assessment, and we usually wait for the tissue to settle before considering any further treatment.

How you want to feel. I ask what you’d like to change and what you would hate to change. If what you’re hoping for wouldn’t suit you or wouldn’t be safe, I’ll explain why.

Starting small. For first-time patients, I nearly always start with less than expected. It is easy to add a little later.

What can realistically be achieved

Lip treatment can add gentle volume, improve definition, soften asymmetry and improve hydration. Correction can often help lips look natural and in proportion again. It cannot change the fundamental shape of your lips, and some asymmetry is normal.

Downtime

Lips usually swell noticeably for the first 24 to 72 hours. Swelling, bruising, small lumps and some unevenness are normal and can take around two weeks to settle. Please don’t book lip treatment in the fortnight before a wedding or special event.

Results

You will see a change straight away, but swelling means the true result is usually visible after about two weeks. Lip filler tends to last less time than filler elsewhere in the face because the lips move constantly, typically somewhere between six and twelve months. A review appointment is available afterwards and is included in the cost if it is needed.

Risks and important considerations

Common effects include swelling, bruising, tenderness and temporary lumpiness. If you are prone to cold sores, treatment can trigger an outbreak, so please tell me in advance. Less common risks include infection, persistent lumps, filler migration and delayed inflammatory reactions.

The lips have a rich blood supply, so the rare but serious risk of vascular occlusion, where filler blocks or compresses a blood vessel, must be taken seriously. Signs include increasing pain and skin turning pale or dusky. If you notice either, contact me immediately using the emergency number in your aftercare information.

Common questions

Will my lips look obviously done?

Not if I can help it. My aim is lips that still look like yours.

My previous filler has moved. Can you help?

Often, yes. I will assess what is there and explain your options honestly, including whether waiting, dissolving or doing nothing is the best route.

How much filler will I need?

That depends on your lips and goals. I usually start small and review.

Can I combine this with other treatments?

Yes. Almost every treatment I offer works alongside the others. Choosing can feel overwhelming, so I’ll help you decide, based on your preferences, your comfort, the result you want and what you’d like to invest. Then I’ll plan the order and timing so each one can do its job.

Does it hurt?

The lips are sensitive, but most lip fillers contain local anaesthetic and I can use numbing cream. Most patients find it very manageable.

Price

See the pricing page. Every plan is confirmed at consultation.