Lip enhancement is one of the most requested treatments in London, and also one of the most misunderstood. Much of the anxiety around it comes from overfilled results seen online, which are almost always the product of too much product too quickly rather than of the treatment itself.
Here is what a well-performed lip treatment actually involves.
What lip filler is
Most modern lip fillers are made from hyaluronic acid, a substance that occurs naturally in the body and binds water. It is a gel, not a permanent implant, and it can be dissolved if needed. That reversibility is why it is the standard choice for lips.
The appointment, step by step
1. Consultation and assessment
Your clinician looks at your lip shape, symmetry, dental occlusion and the way your lips move when you talk and smile. The goal is usually proportion — balancing the upper and lower lip — rather than simple volume.
2. Numbing
A topical anaesthetic is applied for around 15 to 20 minutes. Most modern fillers also contain a local anaesthetic, which makes the injection itself far more comfortable than people expect.
3. The injection
The treatment itself takes around 15 to 30 minutes. Product may be placed with a needle or a blunt-tipped cannula depending on the area and your clinician's preference.
4. Immediate review
You will be shown the result and any asymmetry is assessed before you leave.
Does it hurt?
Most patients describe it as a brief pinch or pressure rather than pain. Lips are sensitive, but the combination of topical anaesthetic and a filler that contains local anaesthetic means the procedure is very tolerable.
Downtime: what is realistic
Expect swelling for 24 to 48 hours, which can look more dramatic than the final result — this is normal and not a sign that too much was used. Bruising is possible and usually settles within three to seven days. Minor lumpiness in the first week is common and resolves as the product integrates.
Plan around: no strenuous exercise, saunas or alcohol for 24 hours, and avoid dental work for two weeks where possible.
For a fuller aftercare timeline, including which signs need urgent help, see our dermal filler aftercare guide.
How long do results last?
Typically 6 to 12 months. Lips are a highly mobile area, so product tends to break down a little faster there than in the cheeks or jawline. Many patients find that after two or three treatments the result holds for longer.
What it costs in London
At My Timeless, lip enhancement is £225 for one syringe or £425 for two syringes in the same session. Most first-time treatments use one syringe. Building gradually across two appointments a few weeks apart usually produces a more natural result than placing a large volume in one session.
You can see how this compares with our other treatments on the full price list, or read more about lip enhancement.
Choosing a practitioner
Ask to see before-and-after photographs of the practitioner's own work, specifically of lips similar to yours. Ask how they handle complications and whether they hold the product needed to dissolve filler. These questions tell you far more than the price does.
Related guides
- Anti-Wrinkle Injections vs Dermal Fillers: What's the Difference?
- Profhilo vs Polynucleotides: Which Skin Booster Is Right for You?
- How Much Do Anti-Wrinkle Injections Cost in London? (2026 Guide)
- Full treatment price list
- Book an online consultation with Dr Vicky Bu
This article is provided for general information only and is not a substitute for a face-to-face consultation. A qualified clinician will assess your suitability, medical history and treatment options before any treatment is recommended.
Related guide: When to Book Aesthetic Treatments Before Christmas 2026 in London
