Lip filler is one of the most requested treatments at ELM Aesthetics — and one of the most misunderstood. Done well, it does not announce itself. It restores definition to the lip border, adds hydration and a little softness, and rebalances proportion where one lip is noticeably fuller than the other. The result should look like your lips on a very good day, not like a different pair of lips.
Every lip treatment here is carried out personally by Melody Steel, a Nurse Prescriber with over 19 years’ experience and a background in the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery unit at St James’s Hospital.
What lip filler is
Lip filler is a smooth gel made from hyaluronic acid — a substance your body already produces, which gives skin its hydration and plumpness. Placed precisely into the lips, it adds volume, defines the border, smooths fine vertical lines and improves hydration. Because hyaluronic acid is naturally broken down by the body over time, the result is temporary, and it can also be dissolved if ever needed.
We use only premium, CE/UKCA-marked hyaluronic acid fillers from leading manufacturers including Teoxane and Restylane, selecting the product for your lips based on how soft, structured or defined a result you are looking for.
Who it suits
- Naturally thin lips that you would like gently fuller
- Lips that have lost volume or definition with age
- Asymmetry — one lip or one side noticeably different from the other
- A poorly defined lip border, or lipstick that bleeds into fine lines
- Dry, lined lips that would benefit from hydration as much as volume
Lip filler is for adults aged 18 and over, and is not carried out during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Suitability is always confirmed at consultation.
Natural, not overdone
The lips that look “done” are usually the result of too much product, product placed in the wrong plane, or a practitioner who did not understand the anatomy. Melody’s approach is conservative by design: assess the whole lower face, treat what will actually improve the balance, and stop. It is always possible to add a little more at a review; it is far harder to take it away. For a first treatment, 0.5 ml is often the right starting point.
What happens on the day
Your appointment begins with a consultation — what you would like to change, your medical history, and an honest assessment of what will suit your face. If you proceed, a numbing cream is applied, and the filler itself contains a local anaesthetic, so treatment is very manageable. The injections take around fifteen minutes. You will see the shape immediately, though the lips will be swollen for the first day or two.
Aftercare, in brief
Expect swelling for two to three days — often most noticeable the following morning — and possibly some small bruises. Avoid strenuous exercise, alcohol and heat (saunas, hot yoga) for 24–48 hours, keep the area clean, and avoid pressure on the lips. The final result settles in about two weeks. Aftercare guidance specific to your treatment is given at your appointment, and you will know how to reach us with any concerns.
Honest limitations
Filler cannot change the fundamental shape of your mouth, correct a very significant asymmetry in one session, or replace a surgical lip lift where the distance between nose and lip is the real issue. Results vary from person to person, and how long they last depends on your metabolism, the product used and the amount placed. If you have had filler elsewhere that has migrated or built up, that may need addressing first — see our guide to filler dissolving and correction.
What it costs
The right amount for you is decided at consultation. Prices include consultation, treatment and aftercare. A deposit will be required to secure your appointment.
Your questions answered
Does lip filler hurt?
Most people find it very manageable. A numbing cream is applied before treatment, and the filler itself contains a local anaesthetic, so discomfort fades quickly after the first few injections.
How long does lip filler last?
Typically six to twelve months, depending on the product, the amount used and how quickly your body metabolises hyaluronic acid. Lips move constantly, so filler here tends to last less long than in more static areas of the face.
Will my lips look fake?
Not if they are treated conservatively and with an understanding of anatomy. Melody’s approach is to enhance what is there rather than impose a shape — and to start with less, because adding more at a review is always possible.
Should I have 0.5 ml or 1 ml?
For a first treatment or a subtle change, 0.5 ml is often the right starting point. 1 ml suits people wanting a noticeably fuller result, or who have had filler before and know how they respond. Melody will advise at your consultation.
How long is the downtime?
Swelling for two to three days, sometimes with small bruises. Most people are comfortable being seen within a day or two; allow at least two weeks before an important event.
Can lip filler be dissolved?
Yes. Hyaluronic acid filler can be broken down with an enzyme called hyaluronidase if ever required — one of the reasons it is the only type of filler we use in the lips.
Can I have lip filler if I get cold sores?
Yes, but tell us beforehand. Treatment can occasionally trigger an outbreak, and a short course of preventative medication may be recommended.