Lip treatments are a non-surgical cosmetic methods designed to improve the volume, shape, and definition of the lips. They aim to create a fuller, more balanced appearance that complements your overall facial features. Treatments can address concerns such as naturally thin lips, loss of lip volume due to ageing, or a desire for a more prominent pout.

Many people can benefit from lip treatments. The most common reasons people choose to undergo a lip treatment are to:

• Increase the size and plumpness of small lips
• Reduce top lip thinning when smiling and laughing
• Add definition to the lips, and the cupid’s bow
• Hydrate the lips and improve texture
• Address age-related volume loss
• Reduce lip asymmetry
• Treat scars caused by surgery and trauma

When undergoing lip treatments, you can expect a relatively quick and straightforward process. Initially, there will be a consultation to discuss your aesthetic goals and for the practitioner to assess your lip structure.

Immediately after, you’ll likely notice fuller, more defined, and hydrated lips. Any swelling is usually mild and should subside within a few days. If it’s your first lip treatment, the initial result might subtly reduce as the result settles, which is a normal part of the process, and you can build on this result with further treatment if desired.

The Cupid’s bow refers to the vermillion border of your upper lip. This is because when turned on the side, it resembles the bow of Cupid.

Defining the Cupid’s bow is a common technique used in lip shaping.

Lip treatments are performed through a precise and careful process. After a thorough consultation to understand your goals and assess your lip structure, the treatment will be done carefully and precisely. The treatment plan is carefully considered to enhance the shape, definition, size, and proportion of your lips. Different methods are used depending on whether the aim is to add subtle volume, redefine the lip border, or achieve a fuller look. The procedure is designed to be as comfortable as possible, often with the use of numbing agents.

Most individuals find lip treatments to be quite tolerable, with minimal discomfort. Practitioners often apply a topical numbing cream to the lips before the treatment to help desensitise the area. You might feel a slight pressure or a brief stinging sensation, but significant pain is uncommon.

There are a number of effective numbing options for lip treatments. They include:

• Topical anaesthetic (numbing cream or gel) – the most commonly used.
• Numbing injections – very effective, and lasts 1-2 hours.
• Ice – simple and effective.

You will see immediate results from most lip treatments. However, it’s common to experience some initial mild swelling, which might temporarily obscure the final outcome. As this swelling subsides over the next few days, the final result will become visible.

The longevity of lip treatments vary, but generally, the results typically last months to years. This duration can depend on several factors, including the treatment methods, your metabolism, and your individual lifestyle. To maintain your desired result, repeat treatments are necessary as the result gradually wears off over time.

After lip treatments, you can expect your lips to appear fuller, more defined, and hydrated. It’s common to experience some mild and temporary swelling, as well as potential tenderness or slight bruising at the treatment sites. These initial effects typically subside within a few days.

If it’s your first lip treatment, the initial result may subtly reduce as the results settles, which is a normal part of the process. Most individuals find they can return to their usual daily activities almost immediately after the treatment.

It’s common to experience some swelling after a lip treatment, but it’s usually mild. This initial swelling typically subsides fairly quickly, often within a few days of the procedure. While it can temporarily make the lips appear fuller than the final result, it’s a normal part of the healing process.

Lip treatments are generally considered low-risk when performed by a qualified and experienced medical professional.

As with any cosmetic treatment, there are typically minor, temporary side effects that can occur, such as localised bruising, swelling, or tenderness at the treatment sites. Serious complications are uncommon.