Lips swell more than anywhere else, so good preparation really helps. Here is how to get ready, what happens on the day, and the questions to ask.
In the video, Bina, one of our nurses, talks you through it: how to get ready, what happens at your appointment, what's normal, and the questions worth asking, whether you come to us or go somewhere else. Everything is written out below so you can come back to it.
Bina appears in real video filmed at our clinic; the voice is AI-generated and lip-synced, made with consent. The treatment footage is real and used with consent.
Getting ready
Before you book
Have a consultation first and take time to decide. Book at least two weeks before any event, holiday or wedding, as swelling and bruising can take that long to settle. Filler is for adults over 18 only.
One week before
If you take fish oil, vitamin E, ginkgo or similar supplements, you may wish to pause them to reduce bruising; never stop prescribed medicines without your GP. If you get cold sores, tell us now: you may need an antiviral from your pharmacy before treatment. Avoid dental treatment for two weeks before and after.
The day before
No alcohol for 24 hours. Drink plenty of water.
On the day
Come without lipstick or lip products. Eat normally and drink plenty of water. Arrive 10 minutes early, bring a list of any medicines and supplements you take, and wear something comfortable.
Your appointment, step by step
Arriving
When you arrive, we welcome you and you settle in a private treatment room. There's no rush: ask anything you like.
Your consultation
Your consultation comes first. We go through your medical history, medicines and allergies, talk about what you'd like to change and why, and give you an honest view of what's realistic. If a treatment isn't right for you, we'll say so.
Photos
We take clinical photos, so we can compare the result later. They are kept in your confidential record.
Your consent
We explain the benefits, risks, side effects and alternatives, then give you a consent form to read and sign. You can take time to think, and you can change your mind at any point.
The treatment: what you'll see and feel
We use numbing cream, and most fillers also contain local anaesthetic. The treatment takes about 20 to 30 minutes, and your lips will look bigger and a little uneven straight after.
Straight after
Straight after, we show you the result, go through your aftercare, and you'll receive a written aftercare email and video. Our 24-hour line is there if anything worries you, and we book your review if you need one.
What's normal
- Some tenderness, swelling and possible bruising after treatment
- Lips looking fuller than the final result for a few days
Please call us before you come if
- You feel unwell, have a temperature or an infection
- You have a cold sore, spots or broken skin on the area
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding, or might be
- You have started a new medicine, or had a vaccine or dental work in the last two weeks (tell us and we'll advise)
Questions to ask, whichever clinic you choose
- What are your qualifications, and are you on a professional register (NMC, GMC, GDC or GPhC) or a PSA-accredited register such as Save Face or the JCCP?
- How many of these treatments have you done?
- Who is the prescriber, and will I see them face to face before any prescription-only treatment?
- What product will you use, and can I see the box and batch number?
- What are the risks and side effects, and what alternatives are there?
- If something goes wrong, who looks after me, how quickly, and is there an out-of-hours number?
- Do you have insurance for this treatment?
- What product are you using, and is it a hyaluronic acid filler that can be dissolved if needed?
- What would you do if a blood vessel became blocked, and do you keep the medicines to treat it on site?
Questions before your appointment? Call the clinic on 020 7252 3333, or our 24-hour line on 07414 163998.
Need a doctor or a health check?
Our private GP, Dr Ayaz Tokhi, is on hand for video appointments from £75 (telephone £65), and we offer private blood tests at the clinic from £69.50. See our health services and book.
Already had your treatment? Read our lip filler aftercare guide, with a video and a day-by-day timeline.
Want to know more first? Read about lip filler at our Brentwood clinic.
This is general information, not personal medical advice. Your clinician will advise you on your own situation at your consultation. Results vary. Treatments are for adults aged 18 and over.
Results vary from person to person. Every treatment starts with a consultation with a registered clinician.