Lip volume & shaping
By law in Australia, we aren't allowed to advertise the brand names of any medicines - including the brands of any products used by cosmetic injectors.
Depending on your age, sex, ethnicity and features, every face is different and this is why there are no set prices or generic treatments advertised.
In your consultation Nurse Sarah will aim to get an understanding of your 'wants' (what you think you might like) vs your anatomical 'needs' (what he recommends based on your clinical photos and facial examination). Sometimes these marry up nicely and sometimes they don't, so each consultation aims to help you understand your face, your anatomy and what the treatment possibilities are that will leave you looking natural.
Every face is special and therefore a treatment plan is often mapped out over a period of time to help you achieve holistic results whilst also managing your budget.
Why can't I get a quote before I book?
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New patients often want to know a ballpark price of what their treatment will be before they book in. And that's totally understandable as you'll want to know if your budget covers what's needed.
But each and every face is completely different. Until you've had an in depth consultation, it's really impossible to know how much a treatments might be required or what technique might be required. Nurse Sarah recommends that new patients come with an open mind to try and understand facial aesthetics properly instead of only focusing on the price or over-simplified outcomes. This is why 60 minutes is dedicated to all new patients and I don't advertise specific treatments.
Facial aesthetics and injectables are more complicated still and it would be completely wrong to quote you a price before you've been consulted and had an in depth examination of your anatomy.
Lip volume & shaping
Lip shape, volume and the smaller details of the peri-oral area are a key feature of a woman's femininity and sensuality.
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Men can also benefit from subtle lip treatments, most usually with the aim of subtly enhancing the shape but not the size.
Depending on your age, sex, ethnicity and features, the technique, product choice and volume of product needed will vary.
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In your consultation Nurse Sarah will create a bespoke plan that suits your overall features including your profile and the surrounding facial features.
Key features of lip shaping
Consultations
New patient filler consultations +/- treatments = 60 mins.
​Existing patient consultations + treatments = 45 mins.
Outstanding satisfaction
In Nurse Sarah's hands the results of fillers are immediate & long-lasting with minimal downtime.
One size doesn't fit all
Depending on your ethnicity, age, sex & natural shape, lips vary hugely. Nurse Sarah will tailor your treatment to compliment your overall face shape and proportions. Sometimes only hydration is needed whereas occasionally a bolder look will be appropriate.
Excellent longevity
Lip fillers tend to last far longer than patients often realise. Nurse Sarah will assess your fillers and overall look each time you see her but won't repeat treatments if they aren't necessary - this stops the over-done and puffy look, as well as preventing the risk of 'filler migration'.
Downtime & aftercare
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Downtime
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Immediately after the treatment, your lips will be very swollen.
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Due to the local anaesthetic used, you'll also be numb for 1-2 hours. It's important not to eat or drink whilst the lips are numb to avoid the possibility of biting your lips or tongue.
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On average the lips will be swollen for 3-7 days and this can make some new patients feel self-conscious until they heal. Lip shaping should only be done when you have a window in your work and social calendar to avoid this being an issue.
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When the lips are swollen, they can feel lumpy and this again is a common and normal outcome for the first few weeks.
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Bruising of the lips can occur and very occasionally this is more obvious.
Aftercare
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no makeup, lipstick, lip balms or similar for 12 hours. This is to avoid the risk of infection.
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the same goes for pets - please don't let them lick your face or lips!
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avoid exercise including yoga and pilates for 24-48. (This increase blood flow and can worsen any swelling and bruising)
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avoid excessive heat for a week including very hot showers, saunas or bikram yoga.
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avoid aspirin and neurofen if possible for 48 hours as these can worsen bruising.
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avoid supplements such as fish oils, garlic, ginger as these can worsen bruising.
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aim to avoid any pressure on the filler site or the face including lying on massage tables, facials, etc
Lip shaping FAQ's
What are these?
One of the key differences between male and female features is the lip size and shape. For women, subtle differences in their lip shape and size compared to men help convey a more feminine look that we perceive as being more beautiful and more sensual.
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Different faces and ethnicities will of course have different proportions - so understanding what makes a face and lip beautiful when combined together is a key skill that needs to be respected by injectors. The goal of lip fillers isn't to add significant volume, it's about maximising the key details of the lip so that they look more youthful, defined and proportioned when compared to the rest of the face.
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Using dermal fillers, we can create stunning small details or even improve the skin hydration. Those who are more confident and appropriate may choose to have more pout to the lip for a more edgy and bolder look.
Why do people want lip fillers?
A filler is an injectable gel that we can use to provide structure, contour or shape to an area of the tissues. Modern fillers are made from a natural sugar molecule that we already have in our skin - so we're simply replacing what's been lost or augmenting what you already have.
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Most fillers come in a 1 millilitre (ml), pre-filled syringe - this is a standard amount of filler. How many ml's of filler you need is completely variable and you'll be guided in your consultation as to what volume of filler and budget you might require.
How do our lips age?
Our lips inevitably lose their once youthful plumpness as we age. The lips eventually become thinner, drier and are a tell-tell sign of ageing. Other changes occur around the mouth such as flattening of the 'philtral columns' - the two raised skin lines between the nose and the upper lip, down turning of the corners of the mouth and fine lines above the upper lip.
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But things are even more complicated than that, including how the mouth relates to how the rest of the face and in particular, the chin and nose.
What can I expect from lip fillers?
Lip fillers are a commonly requested treatment. Regardless of what lips you've seen on Instagram, Nurse Sarah will work with your lip shape to enhance and compliment your natural features. Looking at your face as a whole, it may be suggested to delay lip fillers in your treatment journey until other complimentary features of the face have been softened or tweaked.
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New comers to lip fillers will always be worried about looking too big or swollen and it's true, for 2-7 days your lips will be bigger than the final intended result. But Nurse Sarah will work with your needs and establish your cosmetic goals before going anywhere near the lips with a needle. She only stocks the world's leading filler range and the specific filler will be discussed with you during your consultation.
Is there a good time to get lip fillers?
You can go about as normal straight after your treatment with a few exceptions. Since you'll have swelling after your treatment, it's important to not book your appointment immediately before any significant events such as a wedding, a work event or social occasion. You'll want to allow around a week for any bruising or swelling to settle.
You should avoid activities that increase blood flow such as exercise, saunas, massage, etc until your lips have healed after fillers.
I get cold sores - can I get lip fillers?
If you are prone to cold sores, over the counter anti-viral preventative medication both before and after your treatment is strongly recommended as the injections can trigger a flare of cold sores
I get cold sores - can I get lip fillers?
Typical lip filler is usually injected into the lips with the needle parallel to the lips. This allows the filler to spread throughout the lips in the most 'natural' shape.
The Russian lip technique differs in that the filler is injected vertically, from the outer border of the lips inwards towards to achieve a more obviously shaped, plumper and taller lip. This technique is often referred to as 'tenting' by injectors.
All lips and patients needs are different and so occasionally Nurse Sarah will use a similar technique in someone with very thin lips. But Nurse Sarah doesn't specifically offer the Russian lip technique. She very rarely does lips as an isolated treatment on their own and much prefers her patients to have a natural look.
What if I need to be seen after a filler treatment?
Nurse Sarah offers complimentary 30 minute filler reviews for her patients and this can be booked online yourself. This is best utilised 2-3 weeks after your treatment unless it is an emergency.
