Lip augmentation is a facial-aesthetic treatment intended to alter selected aspects of lip shape, definition, proportion or volume. At Sands End, dermal filler may be considered where clinically appropriate following assessment of your natural lip anatomy and wider facial proportions. Treatment is personalised rather than based on a standard lip shape or quantity of filler.
That isn’t our objective. Our approach prioritises proportion and your existing anatomy rather than maximum volume. We want your lips to remain in balance with your face and retain their individual character. Outcomes vary, and no particular result can be guaranteed, but we’ll discuss what we believe is realistically achievable before treatment.
There is no standard quantity that’s appropriate for everyone. The amount depends on your natural anatomy, previous treatment and what you would like to achieve. More product does not automatically create a better result. We’ll recommend an amount only after assessing you rather than starting with a predetermined number of millilitres.
In selected cases, filler can help refine differences in lip shape or volume. However, natural faces and lips are not perfectly symmetrical, and treatment cannot guarantee perfect symmetry. Your clinician will explain what can realistically be improved and what should be left alone.
Lip treatments involve the use of a fine needle, and as the lips are a sensitive area, some discomfort may occur. Your clinician will explain what to expect and discuss appropriate measures to make the treatment as comfortable as possible.
Some swelling is expected and varies considerably between individuals. It may be more noticeable during the early period after treatment and can occasionally appear uneven while settling. Bruising and tenderness may also occur. Your clinician will explain the expected recovery pattern and when to contact us if something doesn’t seem right.
Lip fillers are temporary, and there is no single duration that applies to everyone. Longevity depends on factors including the product used, quantity, individual biology and previous treatment. We recommend reassessment based on how your lips have settled and changed rather than automatically repeating treatment at a fixed interval.
Further treatment should be based on reassessment rather than simply adding more filler whenever the previous appointment becomes distant. Your clinician will consider the existing appearance, previous product and treatment history before recommending whether additional filler is appropriate. Sometimes the right recommendation is to wait or not add anything further.
“Migration” is a term commonly used to describe filler appearing or being perceived outside the intended treatment area. The appearance can have several causes and requires proper assessment rather than diagnosis from photographs alone. Conservative quantities, appropriate product selection and careful treatment planning are important, but no filler treatment is entirely without risk.
Some hyaluronic-acid fillers can be treated with an enzyme intended to break down the product when clinically appropriate. Dissolving treatment has its own risks and limitations, so filler should not be viewed as completely or casually reversible. Your clinician can explain the options following assessment if you have concerns about existing filler.
A history of cold sores doesn’t necessarily mean lip treatment is impossible, but treatment around the lips can trigger a recurrence in susceptible individuals. Tell your clinician about any history of cold sores during consultation so that this can be considered when assessing suitability and planning treatment.
Common temporary effects include swelling, bruising, tenderness and redness. Other possible complications include infection, lumps or irregularity, asymmetry, an unwanted aesthetic result and recurrence of cold sores.
Rare but serious vascular complications can occur if filler affects a blood vessel, potentially compromising tissue blood supply and, in very rare circumstances, affecting vision. We’ll discuss these risks and the symptoms requiring urgent attention before you consent to treatment.
Absolutely — photographs can be useful for helping us understand what you like and dislike. But another person’s lips cannot simply be recreated on a different face. Anatomy, proportions and tissue characteristics are individual. We’ll use your reference as part of the conversation while planning around your features rather than trying to copy somebody else’s.