Lip Fillers - Essential Insights for Your First Appointment

If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and thought, “I’d love just a little more shape or volume to my lips,” you’re not alone. Lip fillers are one of the most popular cosmetic treatments and for good reason, it can gently enhance what’s already there giving your lips more structure and definition.

Before you decide to go ahead with lip fillers, it's crucial to prepare for your consultation and understand what to expect.

What are Lip Fillers made of?

Lip fillers are a type of injectable filler treatment made of hyaluronic acid, a natural substance in our bodies that attracts water, and hence volume.

Common brands of filler used in lips include Restylane®, Belotero® and Juvederm® however there is no particular “best lip filler”, as it depends on how it is injected.  Some hyaluronic fillers are softer and perfect for smoothing out fine lines, while others are designed for more structure and volume. 

That’s why a personalised consultation matters so much. It’s not about copying someone else’s lips; it’s about finding what works beautifully for your unique face and features.

The Importance of a Personalised Initial Consultation

During your initial consultation, we discuss your desires and concerns and tailor a customised treatment plan together that works for you and your budget.  Creating lips that look natural and feel like your own is our top goal.

With strategic placement of filler, we aim to enhance your natural lip features rather than drastically change them. The objective is to achieve a lip enhancement that compliments your face and lips that reflect your individuality while feeling naturally yours.

BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT: WHAT TO KNOW

A little preparation goes a long way when it comes to lip filler treatments. After your initial consultation you will be provided with a pre-treatment instruction sheet explaining what to expect and general measures to follow in preparation for your treatment.  These include:

1.      Avoid Blood Thinning Medication and Alcohol

Avoid alcohol and blood-thinning medications (like aspirin, ibuprofen and other anti-inflammatories) for 24 hours before treatment to minimise bruising and swelling.

2.      Arrive at Your Appointment with Clean Skin

Your skin is always cleaned before any treatment, however coming to your appointment make-up free is helpful to ensure a clean canvas and hence minimise risk of infection.

3.      Pause other Treatments

Avoid facials, chemical peels, laser treatments, hair removal and microdermabrasion for at least one week beforehand and one week after.  It is also a good idea to avoid active skincare ingredients like retinoids (retinol/vitamin A), AHAs and exfoliants for at least three to five days beforehand, as these can make the skin more sensitive. 

4.      Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your treatment to support healthy, hydrated skin.

5.      Let us know about any Skin Conditions

If you have any active skin infections, cold sores, or other concerns, please inform us ahead of your appointment so we can guide you accordingly.

6.      Check Your Schedule

Try to schedule your treatment at least two weeks before any important events and ensure you remain in Auckland for one week after your treatment, to ensure any complications can be swiftly treated.

7.      Plan Your Future Trips

Try to avoid flying overseas four weeks after your treatment ensure no unwanted swelling occurs due to in-flight pressure treatments.

8.      Leading up to Your Treatment

If you feel unwell, have dental work or vaccinations in two to four weeks prior to your treatment, let us know as we may need to re-schedule your treatment.  Dermal filler must only be injected when someone does not have an active immune system, to avoid complications such as granulomas or nodules.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE TREATMENT?

When you arrive, we’ll go over everything again - your goals and any questions you may have. A numbing cream will be applied so you’re as comfortable as possible. Most of the time, the filler itself also contains a numbing agent, so it’s surprisingly gentle.

We’ll take our time, using a tiny needle or a blunt-tip cannula to place the filler precisely where it’s needed. The process usually takes around 60 minutes, and you’ll see an immediate difference, although there may be some swelling right after.

AFTERCARE: TREAT THOSE LIPS WITH LOVE

Post-treatment, your lips will need a little TLC:

·         Expect some swelling and possibly a bit of bruising - that’s normal.

·         Sleep with your head slightly elevated to help reduce swelling.

·         Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods for 24 hours.

·         Skip lipstick or lip balm for a day or two.

·         No kissing, saunas, or heavy exercise for at least a day or two (yes, really!).

And remember don’t poke, prod, or press your lips. Let them settle naturally into their new, beautiful shape.

POSSIBLE RISKS (AND HOW TO STAY SAFE)

Lip filler treatments are generally very safe when performed by experienced hands, but like all medical treatments, they do come with risks. Most are minor and short-lived, swelling, bruising, or mild tenderness.

In very rare cases, more serious complications can occur, such as filler being injected into a blood vessel (vascular occlusion). That’s why seeing a trained professional who knows facial anatomy inside and out is absolutely essential as they also know how to reverse the filler in case of any emergency.

If you have an autoimmune condition or allergies, we’ll discuss that during your initial consultation to make sure this treatment is right for you.

A FEW QUESTIONS YOU MIGHT BE WONDERING…

1.      Do lip filler injections hurt?

Most patients say it’s far more comfortable than expected. Between numbing cream and local anaesthetic in the filler, discomfort from the lip injections is minimal.

2.      Are lip fillers right for me?

During the initial consultation we will go through the process and decide if lip filler is right for you. However, we cannot provide this service if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have severe allergies or autoimmune disorders.

 3.      Are lip fillers permanent?

No, on average lip fillers last between 6 to 12 months but can in some instances last for up to 2 years. The exact duration depends on your metabolism, the type of filler used, and how much was injected.

4.      How much does lip filler cost?

Lip filler typically costs around $800, depending on the product and how much is needed. We’ll go over all the details with you in clinic - no surprises.

5.      What will my lips look like right after treatment?

They might look a little puffier than you expect at first - that’s normal and settles down in a few days. You’ll start seeing the true results within a week, with the final results expected at four to six weeks afterwards, when the filler has fully integrated into your tissues.

 6.      Are there lip fillers near me?

ALLOR Cosmetic Clinic is located in Whenuapai, Auckland only a few minutes drive from Westgate, Hobsonville, West Harbour, Kumeu, Greenhithe and the North Shore.  If you are interested in lip filler in Auckland, book online today for a free initial consultation with Dr Heather to start the process.

YOUR LIPS, YOUR WAY

If you’re thinking about getting lip augmentation, know that you’re in control. There’s no pressure, no one-size-fits-all, and no need to chase trends. This is about feeling confident in your own skin and your smile.

When done safely and thoughtfully, lip fillers can be a wonderful way to bring balance and softness to your features. If you're curious, come in for a free chat. No pressure - just good advice, expert guidance, and a caring space to explore what feels right for you.