Lip fillers (also called dermal fillers) are injections used to:

• Add volume to the lips.
• Smooth lines and wrinkles around the mouth.

Most lip fillers contain a substance called hyaluronic acid, which occurs naturally in the body.

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How long do lip fillers last?

Lip fillers are not permanent.

• They usually last between 6 and 18 months.
• Results vary from person to person.

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How much do lip fillers cost?

The price can vary a lot.

• In the UK, treatments often start from around £200.
• The total cost depends on the product used and how much filler is needed.

Who should carry out the treatment?

For safety, lip fillers should be carried out by a trained medical professional. This could include a:

• Doctor.
• Dentist.
• Nurse.
• Pharmacist.

They should be registered with a recognised professional regulator.

In the UK, dermal fillers are not regulated in the same way as many medical treatments. This means people without medical training, such as beauty therapists or aesthetic practitioners, may legally offer them.

However, medical professionals usually have wider training and are better able to recognise and treat complications if they happen. Someone without medical training may only be able to send you to emergency care.

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What should I ask before treatment?

Before having lip fillers, book a consultation.

Make sure the person treating you:

• Is properly trained and qualified.
• Is on a professional register.
• Has appropriate insurance.

Ask about:

• Their experience.
• The name of the filler product.
• Where the product comes from.
• Possible risks and side effects.
• What happens if something goes wrong?

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What happens during the procedure?

• A numbing cream may be used first.
• Small injections are placed in and around the lips.
• The area may be gently massaged.

The treatment usually takes 20–30 minutes.

You may feel some discomfort, but it should not be very painful.

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What happens afterwards?

It is normal to have:

• Redness.
• Soreness.
• Swelling.
• Bruising.

These usually settle within a few days.

You may be advised to:

• Avoid wearing make-up straight after treatment.
• Avoid alcohol.
• Avoid very hot drinks.
• Stay out of strong sun.

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What are the risks?

Most people do not have serious problems, but risks can include:

• Infection.
• Lumps under the skin.
• Filler moving from the treated area.
• Scarring.
• Allergic reactions.

Rare but serious complications can include:

• Blocked blood vessels.
• Tissue damage.
• Vision problems.

Always speak to your practitioner about risks before treatment.

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What if I have problems?

If you are unhappy with the results:

• Contact the clinic where you had the treatment.

If you develop worrying symptoms, such as severe pain, changes in vision, or signs of infection:

• Contact a doctor urgently.
• Go to emergency care if needed.

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Lip fillers and dental treatment

Lip fillers can affect dental care.

Most practitioners advise avoiding dental treatment for 2 weeks before and after lip filler treatment.

This helps reduce the risk of:

• Infection.
• Moving the filler during dental work.

Always tell your dentist if you have recently had lip fillers.

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Need more advice?

You can read more about choosing a safe provider for cosmetic procedures on the NHS website.

You can also learn more on our Safe Smiles pages, which is a dedicated resource for keeping your mouth safe and healthy during cosmetic dental treatments.