What Are Lip Fillers? Everything You Actually Need to Know
Lip filler has changed a lot.
For a while, the goal seemed to be simple:
Bigger lips.
Now, most of the people we see aren’t asking for that at all.
They want a little more shape. Better balance. A softer border. Some volume restored. Or simply lips that look like theirs, just refreshed.
So what actually is lip filler, how does it work, and how do you avoid ending up with lips that don’t feel like you?
Here’s the simple version.
What is lip filler?
Lip filler is an injectable treatment used to add or restore volume, shape and definition to the lips.
Most modern lip fillers are made using hyaluronic acid, a substance that is also naturally found in the body.
Once placed into specific areas of the lips, the filler can be used to subtly change their shape, improve symmetry, restore lost volume or add definition.
At Ellis & Jones, the aim isn’t to give everyone the same lips.
It’s to work with the ones you already have.
What can lip filler actually change?
More than just size.
Lip filler can be used to:
Add subtle volume
Restore volume that has reduced with age
Define the lip border
Enhance the Cupid’s bow
Improve symmetry
Balance the upper and lower lip
Add softness and hydration
Improve overall facial balance
Sometimes the smallest changes make the biggest difference.
And sometimes the right recommendation is not adding more filler at all.
That’s why the consultation comes first.
Will lip filler make my lips look fake?
Not if that isn’t the result you want.
We think this is one of the biggest misconceptions about lip filler.
You notice bad filler because you notice it.
You probably walk past people with really good lip filler every day without realising they’ve had anything done.
A natural result comes down to things like:
Your starting lip shape.Your facial proportions.The amount of filler used.Where it's placed.And the person injecting it.
At Ellis & Jones, we prefer lips that suit your face rather than lips that follow a trend.
The goal is for people to notice you, not your filler.
How much lip filler do I need?
This is where the numbers can become unnecessarily confusing.
You’ll often see 0.5ml and 1ml talked about online.
But you shouldn’t really choose your treatment by picking a number from a menu.
Someone wanting a very subtle refresh may need a different amount from someone restoring volume or making a more noticeable change.
Your injector needs to look at your lips first.
Sometimes less is better.
Sometimes achieving the result you want takes more than one appointment.
The right amount is the amount that suits your face and your goal.
What happens at a lip filler appointment?
It starts with a conversation.
Before anything is injected, your cosmetic nurse will look at your natural lip shape, facial proportions and movement.
You'll talk about what you like, what you want to change and, just as importantly, what you don't want.
From there, a treatment plan is created.
The filler is then carefully placed into selected areas of the lips.
At Ellis & Jones, a lip filler appointment usually takes around 30 minutes, with numbing used to make the treatment more comfortable.
Does lip filler hurt?
This is usually high on the list of questions.
And yes, you are having injections into your lips, so we're not going to pretend you won't feel anything.
But the treatment is generally very manageable.
Numbing cream can be used beforehand and some dermal fillers also contain local anaesthetic to make the treatment more comfortable.
You may feel a little pressure or pinching during the injections.
Luckily, it's also pretty quick.
What do lips look like straight after filler?
Swollen.
This is important.
The lips you see immediately after treatment are not necessarily your final lips.
Some swelling, tenderness, redness or bruising is common after lip filler.
For many people, most of the obvious swelling settles over the first few days, although everyone heals differently.
So if you've got a wedding on Saturday, booking your first lip filler appointment on Friday probably isn't the move.
Give your lips time to settle.
How long does lip filler last?
There isn't one exact answer.
Lip filler is temporary and gradually changes over time.
At Ellis & Jones, we generally tell clients that lip filler results can last around 6 to 12 months, depending on the product used, the amount placed, your lifestyle and how your body responds.
It also doesn't suddenly disappear on a particular day.
The change tends to be gradual.
Some clients choose to maintain their result regularly, while others are happy to let their filler slowly soften over time.
Can lip filler be dissolved?
Hyaluronic acid filler can potentially be broken down using an enzyme called hyaluronidase when clinically appropriate.
That might be considered if filler needs correcting, if there is an unwanted result, or in some complications.
But dissolving filler isn't something that should be treated casually.
It is another medical procedure with its own risks and should be assessed by an appropriately trained healthcare professional.
Ellis & Jones offers filler corrective treatment when required.
What is lip filler migration?
You've probably seen this one on TikTok.
Filler migration describes filler sitting outside the area where the desired result was intended, which can create fullness or a ridge around the lip.
There isn't one single reason it can happen.
Product choice, placement, anatomy, previous filler and repeatedly adding more filler can all be relevant.
And this is another reason we don't believe more filler automatically means a better result.
If existing filler needs to be addressed first, we'll talk you through that before simply adding more.
Are there risks with lip filler?
Yes.
And any clinic telling you otherwise deserves a raised eyebrow.
Common temporary effects can include:
Swelling
Bruising
Tenderness
Redness
Lumps or firmness around injection sites
Other complications can include infection, asymmetry, inflammatory reactions or unwanted filler placement.
There are also uncommon but serious complications, including vascular occlusion, where blood flow becomes blocked. This requires urgent medical assessment and treatment.
Dermal fillers are medical devices in New Zealand, and advertising for them is required to describe appropriate precautions and contraindications.
This is why your choice of injector matters.
A lot.
What should I look for in a lip filler injector?
Don't just choose based on the cheapest millilitre.
Look at:
Their qualifications
Their experience
Their before and after work
Whether their results match the look you want
How thoroughly they consult you
Whether they talk openly about risks
What happens if something goes wrong
You should feel comfortable asking questions.
And you should never feel pressured into having more filler than you want.
Lip filler Christchurch and Hamilton
If you're considering lip filler in Christchurch or Hamilton, Ellis & Jones offers personalised consultations with experienced cosmetic nurses.
We also provide lip filler treatments through our Auckland and Timaru locations.
Our approach is pretty simple.
Natural shape. Good balance. Nothing overdone.
Because the best lip filler shouldn't make you look like someone else.
It should still look like you.
Treatment disclaimer
Dermal filler is a medical device treatment and has risks and benefits. Results vary between individuals.
Ellis & Jones uses hyaluronic acid dermal fillers including Juvéderm® and Restylane® products. These are Class III medical devices used to restore volume, enhance the lips and, depending on the product, treat facial lines.
Treatment may cause temporary redness, swelling, bruising, tenderness, itching, pain, firmness or nodules at the injection site. Less common complications can occur and should be discussed with your healthcare professional before treatment.
Dermal filler may not be suitable if you have irritated or infected skin in the treatment area, certain allergies or medical conditions, or if you take medicines that increase bleeding. Extra caution or avoidance may also be appropriate during pregnancy or breastfeeding and for people under 18. Your complete medical history and current medications should be discussed during your consultation.
If you experience side effects or have concerns after treatment, contact your healthcare professional. Always follow the aftercare instructions provided by your practitioner.
Juvéderm® is supplied in New Zealand by Allergan (NZ) Limited. Restylane® is manufactured by Galderma and distributed in New Zealand by Healthcare Logistics. Product and treatment costs apply.
Comments