FAQs

Please see our most commonly asked questions below

What kind of results can be achieved?

Lip fillers can increase the size of the lips, improve proportions (for example if the top lip is much thinner than the bottom) boost hydration, improve lip texture and fix mild asymmetries. We are able to make these changes in very natural looking and subtle way. We firmly believe that the best kind of treatments should go unnoticed and this is especially important for the lips. Lip filler should never make the lips look puffy or artificial. There is a limit to how much you can inject for each lip as there is only so much you can stretch the skin. If you inject more than the lip can take, the filler will have a tendency to migrate. We never want to overfill lips and if you are looking for a more dramatic change, it is better to build them up slowly over a few sessions. We never inject more than 1 ml in one session for this reason. As we age the lips can lose volume and the texture can start to look ‘crinkled’. The filler is able to add that volume back into the lips and smoothen out the skin making the lips a lot more fresh and youthful. This has a huge impact on your overall appearance. If you are having lip filler for asymmetries note that we can never guarantee perfect symmetry of the lips. However, we can help bring balance and harmony back to the lips. It’s very important that you see a medically trained and experienced injector for this treatment who will not overfill the lips.

Who is this treatment suitable and not suitable for?

Lip fillers are suitable for most people. We can completely tailor the result which can range from very subtle hydration only to more volume and shape enhancement. This is done through different technique and different filler choice. If you have a history of anaphylaxis or allergy to wasp stings, fillers may not be suitable for you. This is because you are likely to be allergic to the filler dissolving enzyme. We always have to ensure we are able to dissolve the filler in an emergency (see below for risks and side effects).

How long does it last?

On average lip filler will last for 9-12 months. However, this is an average time and for some people, the filler may dissolve more quickly because of their metabolism and for some people it may last longer. We find that with subsequent treatments, the results often last longer. After the first 3 sessions you may find you do not need to come back for a couple of years.

What is the recovery/downtime?

Lip fillers will cause swelling for up to 3 weeks after the treatment. The amount of swelling varies from person to person. The lips will decrease in size by 20% once they have fully healed after about 3 weeks post-injection. At No Filter Clinic, we take our time and build up the lips out slowly with microdroplets of filler which are placed in very fine threads to mimic and respect the natural anatomy of the lips. As we use more needle entry points, there is a higher rate of swelling with our technique but we find we get much better and more natural looking results. It is normal for the lips to have small bruises within the lip. This takes a week to resolve and are easy to cover. We advise you not to wear makeup for the first 4 hours. It is also normal to have subtle bumps and irregularities when you first get fillers done, most of this is swelling and

What are the side effects and risks?

Like all medical treatments, there are side effects and risks. Swelling and bruising are to be expected, as is some discomfort. The swelling can be very signifiant for lips so you cannot judge the final result till they have healed which can take up to 3 weeks. If your lips are uneven, it can be difficult to achieve symmetry. It is also normal to have subtle bumps and irregularities when you first get fillers done, most of this is swelling and will resolve. It is important to follow the aftercare to minimise migration risk and ensure the results last as long as possible. If you have a history of cold sores, any needles to the face can trigger a breakout of it. So please inform us in advance if you have had any cold sores in the past year. There is a very small risk of filler entering a blood vessel and blocking off the blood supply to the skin. This is called a vascular occlusion. As a medical clinic, we have all the equipment and enzymes available to reverse this and dissolve the filler. It is a condition that either happens during the appointment or in the first 48 hours after. We give extensive aftercare advice and are available to get in touch within this period to dissolve it. We have also reviewed every single treatment we carry out in clinic to modify the techniques to minimise the risk.

How painful is the treatment?

Numbing cream is needed for lip filler as it is a very sensitive area.The numbing cream will hugely help alleviate the majority of the pain. If you are apprehensive about pain or have a low threshold to pain, please ensure you take 1g of Paracetamol 1 hour before the procedure. For patients who still cannot tolerate it, we offer numbing injections that are similar to the injections you have at the dentist.

Duration

The appointment is 45 minutes long but the treatment itself takes 10-15 mins. All clinicians have slightly different techniques. At No Filter Clinic, we take our time and build up the lips out slowly with microdroplets of filler which are placed in very fine threads to mimic and respect the natural anatomy of the lips. We will analyse the full face and lips in great detail at movement and at rest before the treatment takes place to ensure they look harmonious and in balance with different facial expressions. Our priority is to also ensure the treatment is safe and carried out to the highest standard.

No. of sessions

Sometimes the desired results will be achieved by the first session but some people may need a second session once the swelling has subsided to reach the desired results. We recommend that you wait at least a month before your second treatment.

How will I look straight after?

Immediately after injection, the lips will usually be 20% bigger than the final result. For some people it will be close to the end result. You will experience some swelling after lip filler that will last for 1-3 weeks. For some people, the swelling is very mild but for some people there will be some significant swelling that is completely normal and harmless. You can attend events and resume work the same day but must follow the aftercare rules.

How is it done?

We initially undertake a thorough assessment of your whole face and your lips to see if it is suitable for you and explain the extent of the result that is possible. We then disinfect the area and mark out the areas for injection. We use a soft filler that integrates well with the tissue and moves naturally. We mostly use a needle technique as we have found with experience that it gives the best results with the least issues with migration down the line. For some patients a cannula is suitable and we may recommend using it in certain cases. A cannula is not a needle, it is a blunt tipped needle shaped device inserted from the sides of the mouth. As it is not sharp it causes much less swelling and bruising. At No Filter Clinic, we take our time and build up the lips slowly with microdroplets of filler which are placed in very fine threads to mimic and respect the natural anatomy of the lips. As we use more needle entry points, there is a higher rate of swelling with our technique but we find we get much better and more natural looking results once the swelling subsides.

Can it be reversed?

At No Filter Clinic London we only use fully reversible fillers. This is because they are safer than permanent fillers and we can dissolve them in the case of an emergency and if for whatever reason you are not happy with the result. This gives fillers a significant advantage over surgery as they are not permanent. This does not mean you should get fillers just to try them out as the dissolving is not a simple procedure. You should only get fillers done if you have researched them thoroughly, feel comfortable getting the procedure done and are happy accepting the small risks and side effects which are all manageable. If you have a history of anaphylaxis or allergy to wasp stings, fillers may not be suitable for you. This is because you are likely to be allergic to the filler dissolving enzyme (Hyaluronidase). We always have to ensure we are able to dissolve the filler in an emergency (see risks and side effects).

What is the aftercare?

We send a thorough aftercare email to all our patients but please find a summary below.

What to do after treatment

Get some Arnica tablets from any pharmacy, this helps with bruising and swelling. Please do not wear make-up for 4 hours after treatment. In the evening of the treatment, you may gently wash your face and use your regular wash and lotions. Remain upright either sitting or standing for as long as possible and sleep with 3 pillows at night whilst there is swelling and oedema present. This is especially important when the lip or eye region have been treated as laying down may make any swelling worse. Do not sleep with pressure on the face and try to sleep on your back.

If you are uncomfortable with the swelling, please take Loratadine/Cetirizine (normally used for hayfever) to help decrease this. If there is excessive swelling you may contact the clinic to obtain a prescription for steroids to help resolve your inflammation more quickly; prescriptions drugs are not appropriate if the degree is swelling is within normal parameters. Aside from this, there is, unfortunately, no quicker way to resolve swelling as it is a normal bodily reaction to trauma. Wash your face very carefully, applying no pressure to areas treated for 4 weeks.

What NOT to do after treatment

- No strenuous exercise or gardening for at least 1 week.
- Do not massage the area treated for the first 4 weeks following treatment.
- If you feel any lumps, please attend your review appointment so we can check it and fix it for you.
- Please refrain from kissing for 3 weeks till the swelling has completely subsided.
- Avoid hot drinks and excessive heat.
- No facials or waxing for the first 2 weeks.
- Do not take aspirin, ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory medication for 24 hours after treatment as this may increase bruising. You may take paracetamol or codeine if you are uncomfortable.
- Do not consume alcohol for 24 hours after receiving treatment. This increases the risk of bruising.
- Do not have a sauna, hot tub or go in a tanning booth for 2 weeks after treatment.
- Do not have radiofrequency, IPL, laser or any other heat treatments near the treated area for 2 weeks.

How many mls do I need?

Every lip is unique and needs a different amount. We inject what we judge to be the most suitable amount that your lips and skin can take. The price is UP TO 1 ml although we advise our patients you are not paying for the mls, you are paying for the skill and expertise. If you do need more volume, it is often best to wait 1 month and get a second treatment. If you build up volume slowly, your skin will have time to stretch and you will get much better and more natural results.

Which fillers do you use?

We use all the premium brands available. We use a mixture of Stylage, Teoxane and Restylane depending on the patient and their individual needs. We only ever used hyaluronic acid based fillers as they are fully reversible. This is essential for your safety.

How do I prepare before the appt?

Before your Appointment

1. Please stop using topical Retinols, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acids, Salicylic Acid and medication used to treat persistent or cystic acne 5 days before your treatment. This will minimise pain and bruising. However, you do not need to stop if you have been using these for a long time and your skin is likely to flare up without them. If you are on on prescription-grade cream to promote skin renewal and reduce breakouts, please get in touch before your appointment so we can discuss it and give individual advice.

2. Please stop using any Vitamin E supplements and Ibuprofen/Neurofen 5 days before your treatment. Please do not stop using any Aspirin (or any other medication) prescribed by your GP.

3. Laser treatments for the face, microneedling and chemical peels must be avoided 1 week before and after the treatment.

4. Please do not drink alcohol 24 hours before and after the procedure.

5. Make sure you eat something before your appointment and are well hydrated. This prevents feeling lightheaded during the procedure.

6. Taking 1 g of Paracetamol (2 tablets) 30 mins - 1 hour before your appointment is advisable as it will significantly reduce any discomfort during the procedure.

7. Please attend the appointment alone. There is limited space in the clinic and anybody with you will be asked to wait outside the building.

8. Please come to the appointment with makeup removed and minimal jewellery.

9. Please note, we cannot carry out any Dermal Filler treatments if you are due to fly in the next 3 days. This is because of the small risk of vascular occlusion in the first 48 hours. Wrinkle relaxing injections, Profhilo and Aqualyx are fine.

How does the pricing work?

There are different pricing structures. Please see price list for more information.