What really happens during a dermal filler lip treatment?

Article medically reviewed by Dr. Gavin Chan

Templestowe Lower, Berwick and Beaumaris Clinics

Dr. Gavin Chan, MBBS, General Registration (MED0001175745), founder of the Victorian Cosmetic Institute, began offering cosmetic medical treatments in 2004. Formerly a trainer for cosmetic pharmaceutical companies, Dr. Chan currently concentrates on offering ongoing training to cosmetic doctors at the Victorian Cosmetic Institute. He ensures that all doctors stay updated with the latest procedures and methods in the cosmetic industry. Read More

Lips get thinner and have less volume due to the natural ageing process and the associated decrease in collagen.

The natural ageing process also affects the facial bone structure, where your upper jawbones that support your lips lose their volume. This results in your upper lip appearing thinner and flatter. Over time fine lines and furrows may also appear around your lips. These ‘smokers’ lines’ can appear even if you’ve never smoked. They can result from habitual puckering of your lips, dehydration or drinking through straws regularly.

Dermal filler lip treatment can add volume, shape and definition to your lip and mouth area. Made from a molecule that is one of the chief components of connective tissue, dermal fillers are a sugar-based gel substance naturally found in the skin. Due to possible risks and complications, we do not use permanent fillers for your lip treatment; we only use temporary dermal fillers. In Australia, there are several dermal lip filler brands we use. Due to Therapeutic Goods Administration rules, we’re unable to name them.

Why it’s essential to have a consultation before your lip filler treatment

Since 2005, led by Dr Gavin Chan (MBBS, Cosmetic Doctor, Liposuctionist), our team of highly trained and experienced Cosmetic Doctors and Nurses have treated patients with lip filler treatment. When it comes to lip enhancement, you may have seen examples of celebrities in magazines or social media posts with ‘trout pout’, and fake-looking lips. This highlights the importance of attending a reputable medical clinic with highly trained and experienced Cosmetic Doctors and Nurses who focus on non-surgical cosmetic procedures, including dermal lip filler treatments.

Our approach to lip treatment using dermal fillers is to take the time to discuss what you would like to achieve. We take great care to ensure that your lips fit your face appropriately. At your consultation, we consider improving your lips and balancing out all areas of the face. If you have a smaller face, nose and eyes, it is essential to use the right amount of dermal filler, as too much filler can result in an unnatural appearance. It’s important to note that while lip filler treatment can improve your lip volume and definition, you won’t be able to change the shape of your lips entirely.

Why do we use cannulas instead of needles for dermal filler lip treatment

When Dr Sara Mullen (MBBS, FRACGP, Cosmetic Doctor) consults for lip dermal filler, she explains the importance of using cannulas instead of needles. Before the blunt cannula technique was developed, multiple needles were used to inject the dermal filler into the lips. This resulted in significant trauma to the lips, including swelling and bruising.

Our blunt cannulas technique has the following benefits.

• Because a needle can’t discern what it’s going through, it will pierce through anything in the subcutaneous tissue or skin. A blunt, round-ended cannula allows the Cosmetic Doctor or Nurse to feel each structure as it passes through. If they feel resistance, an alternative pathway is found. Avoiding damage to your veins and arteries can reduce the risk of bruising.
• Cannulas use a single entry point at each corner of your mouth to treat several areas of your lips and mouth. This results in less risk of bruising and trauma to your skin.

View some before and after photos using the cannula lip filler technique here.

How does it feel to have lip dermal filler treatment?

Often ice is applied to the corners of the mouth before injecting. Since temperature and pain sensation travel along the same nerve pathway, the use of ice to numb the area ensures minimal discomfort is felt as the local anaesthetic is injected. Once the corners of the mouth are numb, small holes are made on either side of the mouth with a sharp needle through which the cannula is inserted.

The dermal filler contains a small amount of local anaesthetic, so it will numb the area which is being injected.

Skincare to use after your lip filler treatment.

After you’ve had lip filler treatment, it’s important to use skincare that hydrates, nourishes and protects your lips. Cosmedix Lumi Crystal deeply conditions lips. It is fortified with peptides and ingredients to plump the appearance of lips by boosting the production of 6 major skin matrix components: collagen I, III, IV, fibronectin, hyaluronic acid and laminin 5.

Some eye care products, such as Emepelle Eye Cream, can also hydrate and condition your lips.

Like some assistance with your skincare? Our Skin Therapists can help you with a skincare regime that achieves optimal results. Call us at 1300 863 824 to book your skin consultation, or click the book online button above.

Dermal filler lip treatment in Melbourne

Since 2005 led by Dr Gavin Chan, our team of highly trained and experienced Cosmetic Doctors and Nurses have enhanced people’s lips with dermal fillers. We take great care to ensure your lips fit your face appropriately and are aesthetically pleasing. To find out how dermal filler lip treatment can enhance your lips, call 1300 863 824.