Lip fillers, by a Save Face registered injector.

Prices vary by injector seniority, by clinic location, by product brand and by the volume you need. Consultation fees are often redeemable against your first appointment.

• Natural augmentation, not volume

  The commonest brief: a slightly fuller, better-defined lip that still looks like yours. Typically 0.5 to 0.7 mL, layered over two sessions.

• Volumising and shape change

  A fuller, more sculpted look with visible projection. Usually 1 mL per session and a firmer product such as Juvederm Volift or Teoxane RHA 3.

• Existing volume and asymmetry

  Baseline volume, upper-to-lower ratio and left-to-right symmetry are photographed and mapped before a single unit is injected.

• Cupid's bow and philtrum definition

  Restoring a crisp cupid's bow and philtral columns often changes the face more than adding volume. A softer product like Belotero Balance sits well here.

• Age-related lip changes

  Loss of vermillion, perioral lines, downturned corners and a lengthening upper lip are treated with a combined plan, not lip filler alone.

• Previous filler or migration

  Old product, filler outside the vermillion border or a shelf on the upper lip is assessed carefully. Dissolving with Hyalase is often the first step before rebuilding.

• Legal age and consent

  It is unlawful to inject dermal filler into anyone under 18 in England. Photo ID is checked at the consultation, without exception.

• Red flags: active cold sore, pregnancy

  Active herpes simplex, pregnancy, breastfeeding, current infection or a history of anaphylaxis to lidocaine defer the treatment. We book you when it is safe.

• Bruising and swelling

  The commonest side effects. Swelling peaks at 24 to 48 hours and settles over 7 to 14 days. Bruising can last up to two weeks. Arnica, ice and avoiding alcohol help.

• Vascular occlusion, rare but serious

  If filler enters the labial or superior labial artery, the tissue blanches and then becomes painful and mottled. Without prompt hyaluronidase within 24 to 48 hours it can progress to tissue necrosis.

• Emergency protocol, in writing

  Every injector we recommend can be reached the same day, holds Hyalase on site and follows an ACE Group vascular occlusion protocol. This is not optional.

• Tyndall effect (blue tinge)

  A blue-grey discolouration if hyaluronic acid is placed too superficially. It is reversible with a small dose of hyaluronidase into the affected area.

• Nodules and granuloma

  Small palpable lumps are common in the first two weeks and usually settle with massage. Persistent nodules, late inflammatory reactions and rare granulomas are treated with Hyalase and, occasionally, steroids.

• Migration

  Product creeping above the vermillion border ("filler moustache") reflects overfilling, poor plane choice or repeated top-ups. Dissolving with Hyalase resets the anatomy before rebuilding.

• Cold sore reactivation

  Injection can trigger herpes simplex in patients with a history of cold sores. Prophylactic aciclovir from 24 hours before the appointment is offered.

• Untrained injectors are the biggest risk

  Most serious complications we see come from beauticians, unregulated pop-up clinics and social-media injectors with no medical training. Check the register before you book.

• Red flags after the appointment

  Severe or delayed pain, blanching, mottled or dusky skin, blistering, or vision changes need a same-day call to your injector or attendance at an A&E with a clear account of what was injected.