First Time Lip Filler: What to Know Before You Book

Write down the change you want: more fullness, a clearer lip edge, better balance or a return towards an earlier appearance. Add what you want to preserve. Cleveland Clinic describes lip filler as a way to add volume and address shape, but that does not mean every goal is suitable.

Bring a few references and explain which feature you mean. AAD says an examination may show that another procedure is more appropriate. A LookPrep illustration can help you discuss fullness from the front; it cannot show your profile, movement or healing, or select a dose.

The FDA says to work with a licensed health care provider who has experience in dermatology or plastic surgery and is trained to inject dermal fillers, and that the provider should use properly labelled, sealed vials or pre-filled syringes of approved filler. It says not to buy fillers sold directly to the public and not to inject yourself or use needle-free pens.

The NHS says to ask how many of these procedures the person has done, what training they have and what to do if something goes wrong, and to avoid anyone who has only completed a short training course in fillers, because complications can be serious. It also says to book the consultation with the person who will do the procedure and not to pay until you have had the consultation. A discount does not answer any of those questions.

Preparation is mostly a conversation. The American Academy of Dermatology says to tell the provider about allergies, bleeding disorders, cold sore breakouts, heart conditions, previous cosmetic treatments including other injections and implants, and easily irritated skin, and to list every medicine and supplement, especially warfarin, aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E, St John's wort, garlic and ginger. It says to mention everything, even if it seems unimportant.

Tell the provider about current inflammation or infection, severe allergies and reactions to ingredients such as lidocaine. The FDA says filler safety is unknown during pregnancy, breastfeeding and below age 22; its listed approvals are for specific uses in adults 22 and older. Ask about the exact product and your circumstances. Do not stop prescribed medicine on your own; discuss any change with the clinician who manages it.

Cleveland Clinic describes the visit in order. The provider examines and measures your face and takes photographs for your record. A numbing cream goes on the lips, and about 15 to 30 minutes later they should be numb. The provider then uses a thin needle to inject filler into any or all parts of the lips, and may hold an ice pack against them during the procedure to limit swelling and bruising. The whole visit may take as little as 30 minutes or as long as two hours.

On pain, the American Academy of Dermatology says you may feel a stinging or burning sensation as the filler is injected, and Cleveland Clinic says mild pain at the injection sites should go away after 12 to 24 hours. Ask before the appointment what numbing the clinic uses and whether you can ask for more.

Cleveland Clinic describes about 1 mL as an average. This is not a first-treatment rule. The FDA says results depend on tissue structure, amount and filler type, while AAD says a consultation should first establish whether filler is appropriate.

Ask the injector to explain their proposed amount, placement and product together. Discuss whether they would assess the result before considering more. Do not choose 0.5 mL because an online guide calls it universally safe, or 1 mL because it is described as an average.

Cleveland Clinic says lip swelling often settles in 24 to 48 hours but may last up to a week. AAD gives 7 to 14 days for minor filler effects generally. These describe different scopes and do not guarantee your recovery time. Ask for written instructions that apply to your product and treatment.

Cleveland Clinic suggests an ice pack for up to 10 minutes at a time, avoiding lip products for at least 24 hours, and avoiding exercise for at least 24 hours. Its advice also includes waiting until numbness wears off before eating. Confirm these details with your provider. The clinic recommends a review at about two weeks and at least two weeks before a major event, rather than judging the result on treatment day.

The FDA lists common effects such as bruising and swelling, and warns that accidental injection into a blood vessel can cause tissue death, blindness or stroke. Learn the signs before treatment and record the clinic's daytime and after-hours contacts. The FDA advises immediate medical attention for unusual pain, vision changes, skin near the injection turning white, grey or blue, or signs of a stroke during or shortly after treatment. Do not wait for the routine review if these occur.

Cleveland Clinic describes dissolving hyaluronic acid filler with an enzyme called hyaluronidase. The FDA warns that removal has its own risks and that some filler materials can be difficult or impossible to remove. Ask how complications are handled and what review is offered if you dislike the result. The NHS says you should have time after the consultation to decide. Take information home if you are unsure.