^{It seems these days that every second person has there lips done, which isn't a bad thing because they can look so damn good!
But before stepping into the world of lip fillers, you should have a look into what you're about to do. Even if you have had procedures done before or you're a newbie, here's5 things you should be aware of before you take that leap!}

_{#1: You Will Likely Bruise}

_{You shouldn’t trust someone who says their will be no bruising at all, although the degree of bruising can vary between patients and injectors. There are a few different techniques for filling the lips but they all involve the risk of bruising.
I personally like to use a needle as I can be more precise, but be sure to ask your injector what technique they use and why! Please don’t be afraid to ask questions.}

_{You need to allow at least 2 weeks for bruising to settle and ideally much longer for a tweak - if needed. If you have a big event coming up, I recommend leaving at least 6 weeks between your procedure and the event. Depending on which one you prefer, avoid taking anti-inflammatories for 2-7 days prior to the procedure because they can make you bleed more readily.}

_{At Halcyon Skin we include a complementary post procedure LED treatment to reduce the swelling (which can last up to 3 days) and bruising post a lip fill which is always a plus. Another way to limit your bruising is the good old ice and pressure method.}

_{#2: Your Own Hang ups And Your ‘Why?’}

_{Are you getting your lips filled because YOU want it? Or is it because all of your friends/influencers are getting it done?
Lip filler can really balance out your face, boost your confidence and even smooth out your lips for better makeup application. I mean, you are allowed to be curious and try things out, but do it for the right reasons and know the risks.}

_{I recommend starting with a softer volume of filler and then building on it gradually. If you start low and go slow, you can then build on that effect and achieve incremental subtle enhancements. This will ensure you get the look you were hoping for, rather than going for the ‘bigger is better’ first approach. Also, the scarring of repeated injections will also help give longevity to the filler.}

_{As we age we lose lip volume and the lips involute (turn in), people start saying to me, “Where have my lips gone?!”.
I just love restoring lip volume and definition to someone this has happened to. I don’t think older lips need marked white vermillion boarders, which have long disappeared. They usually require volume and a degree of definition in order to have a canvass on which to put lipstick and to stop it from bleeding. One of my favourite procedures is to fill in some of the perioral rhytides (wrinkles around the lips and mouth) and then put the rest of the filler in the lip itself. The result is subtle but very pleasing.}

_{In the end, you have to do what's right for you. If lip enhancement is that you really like - go for it!}

_{#3: It Hurts!}

_{Obviously from person to person, the pain threshold is different but it definitely stings. Make sure there is either an anaesthetic cream applied or an anaesthetic injection used prior to the procedure. I like to apply this to my clients 45 - 60mins prior for the greatest effect. I do both but I prefer a topical anaesthetic as it causes less distortion of the mouth (think of older people without their dentures).}

_{#4 Lip Filler and Cold Sores = a Match Made in Hell.}

_{If you’ve ever had a cold sore in your life, take antiviral medication to having your lips filled.}

_{The HSV virus or cold sore virus can emerge in response to numerous stimuli including sunburn, viruses and trauma. The trauma of having lip injections can trigger an outbreak, which can be a disaster. If you’ve ever had a single cold sore in your life, I suggest you take antiviral medication, available from the Pharmacist, one hour prior to the procedure and again 11 hours after. If you’ve had lip filler and get the cold sore tingle, see your doctor asap.}

_{#5 Avoid dental work for 3 weeks before and 6 weeks after lip filler}

_{Some dental treatments can cause a spray of bacteria into the system and if there is a blanket of filler in the vicinity, it too can get infected. I apply this advice for all facial fillers.}

_{Simple dental procedures aren’t so much a problem but generally try to space the treatments by 3-6 weeks if you can. If it’s a dental emergency, tell the dentist you have filler on board as it’s better they are aware and you can get some antibiotics just in case.}

_{------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------}

_{These are just five of the many things to think about before getting lip fillers so do your research and find a professional injector that can help you through your lip-plumping journey.}

_{Cheers to fuller, beautiful and natural looking lips!}

_{Dr Lizzy Gascoigne}