Let’s talk about lip fillers....Done well … lip fillers can really enhance someone’s face. Lip fillers are a clinical procedure however they definitely require an artistic eye. It’s all too easy to spot badly done lips.. I see so many badly done lips which definitely don't do that. I pride myself in being able to create bespoke lips that will look fabulous on your face.
It’s important that Lips should fit your face nicely and have good balance, proportions and not be too overpowering. If a Patient has big eyes if may be easier for them to look good with bigger lips .. smaller eyes need smaller lips.
I always look at my patients profile and see if they have any asymmetries which I can improve.There are many issues that can be addressed for example....… volume can be enhanced, the cupid’s bow redefined, smokers lines reduced, the vermillion border strengthened and hydration increased.
I only use Hyaluronic Acid Fillers and I stock the reversal drug on site(hyalase) if for any reason the filler needs to be dissolved. I think the key to producing beautiful lips is that I have a good anatomical knowledge so I understand the areas of the lip that can be injected safely.
THE MEDISHED PROCESS
All of my patients at The Medished will need to have a full consultation prior to any filler treatment and a cooling off period. I will take a full medical history and advise you of the risks and benefits of the procedure before making a recommendation of the most appropriate lip
Filler product for you.
All appointments are a minimum of an hour to allow time for the topical anaesthesia to work for the first 15 minutes. During the lip filler procedure I will be regularly consulting you so that you are happy with the outcome.
It is however impossible to know how your body will react to the product and the procedure. I always inform my patients of all possible outcomes so that they are empowered with the knowledge so that if there is a complication we would be able to act on it.
You will have a safer, more informed and stress-free recovery if you are aware of the commonly occurring and rare complications.
Aesthetic treatments such as lip fillers are medical procedures that take some time to settle but each person is different and so for the most optimum effect, you may need to return within a fortnight for a follow up appointment.
TOP TIPS PRIOR TO TREATMENT
Do not exercise beforehand
Do not take aspirin/ibuprofen the week before a treatment
Consider using arnica in the week before your treatment
Have the lip area clean and make up free
Avoid using make up for at least 4 hours after your treatment
No Alcohol 24 hours before and after treatment
POSSIBLE COMMON COMPLICATIONS
As I am using needles in the majority of patients, bruising can be very common
Bleeding and swelling which can be asymmetrical.
Hyaluronic acid fillers attract water to the area is is placed hence can add to swelling
A haematoma can occur 1/10 patients which is a blood filled bruise. Over the next 1-2 weeks, the body will reabsorb the blood cells and fluid from the region.
Filler does not settle evenly with the formation of a lump. They can be evened by massage but if that is not effective then you need to come back to the MediShed for me to smooth them.
Post treatment advice
In the first two days after your lip filler treatment:
Do not rub or massage your lips
Do not take aspirin/ibuprofen and avoid alcohol
Use a cold compress on your lips for 15 minutes in every hour
Sleep with your head slightly raised
Swelling is most noticeable in the first two days after your treatment but if there is some swelling after 48 hours, an over the counter anti-histamine might help.
Bruising might take longer to improve, depending on its severity.
Rare complications
Delayed Onset Nodules:
This is when a lump presents weeks or months after treatment and can be inflammatory or non inflammatory. It may need possible removal and antibiotics.
Very Rare Complications
VASCULAR OCCLUSION :
This is when the blood flow is interrupted due to some filler blocking or putting pressure on an artery.The risk of this occurring is estimated to be 1 in 30,000. The area of skin or other tissues that are supplied by the affected vessel will start to die without the necessary blood supply.
SIGNS OF VASCULAR OCCLUSION
There will be an immediate blanching, paleness and the tissue turns white when the blood flow is interrupted...generally in areas far away from the actual injection .
There is usually immediate pain but it can be 24 hours after being injected.
If no treatment is initiated to improve the vascular flow, the skin will start to appear dusky, a bluish tint, with fine reticulations (lace like) to areas beyond the site of injection. This occurs within 24 hours.
If still no reversal drug is used(hyalase), the skin will start to die, turning black, and possibly leading to an associated infection.
All of my patients at the Medished will also be taught how to check for capillary refill.
This is to check the blood flow is not compromised post lip filler injection.
If a vascular occlusion does occur .…I will keep you in clinic and perform a hyalase pulse protocol until good blood flow is restored.
Finally! Don't worry your in safe hands…
The majority of the time all is well and my patients enjoy the effects of their lip enhancement..its good however to understand the procedure so that you are fully informed.