Regardless of your motivation for enhancing your looks, you’re in good company. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, cosmetic lip enhancement is one of the most popular, minimally invasive cosmetic procedures - a treatment that is becoming an art.
For injectors, lip lifts, including corner lip lifts or lip flips, continue to grow in popularity. But with that popularity comes an even greater focus on innovations and advancements to suit any age or ethnicity. But don’t be fooled into thinking it’s an easy treatment. Cosmetic work on your lips is one of the most complicated facial enhancements, especially when your expectation is a natural-looking tweak. To give lip fillers the attention they deserve, we asked cosmetic medicine expert and pharmacist Hayden Seung Hee Lee, owner of The Lab on Auckland’s North Shore, to share the facts, the procedure, and potential risks.
Here, our style director, Louise Hilsz, shares her lip filler journey and the results.

What is lip filler?

Lip filler is a cosmetic procedure where hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the body, is injected into the lips to enhance volume and hydration. This treatment aims to restore a youthful appearance by replenishing lost volume and improving lip hydration.

What is the best type of filler to achieve a natural result?

We use Belotero Intense, known for its advanced CPM patented technology (developed after a decade of research) and recognised as the safest filler available. This technology seamlessly integrates with the lip’s natural structure, ensuring smooth, natural-looking lips that feel remarkably natural.

Is there any prep required before the filler?

Cosmetic lip augmentation requires injections, which can cause bruising. So, we ask clients to stop taking natural health supplements 72 hours before the procedure. Also, avoid alcohol the day prior to the treatment; it’s important to prevent swelling.

Can you have the consultation and filler on the same day?

Yes, definitely. It is possible if the appointment is booked for a consultation and treatment on the same day.

Are there any risks to getting lip fillers?

The primary risk factor involves vascular occlusion, where filler gel enters or compresses a blood vessel, and that vessel can restrict blood flow to the lip. Potentially leading to vascular compromise. Fortunately, we have a product available that can reverse this situation.

What is your technique/signature lip treatment?

We are passionate about achieving natural-looking and natural-feeling lip treatment. Our injectors undergo rigorous training in lip anatomy to prevent overfilling and ensure precision. We collaborate closely with the patient to craft a shape that harmonises perfectly with facial features. Our focus is on enhancing contour and definition rather than over-volumising the lips; this is our specialised expertise.

*Style director Louise Hilsz before vs after front*

*Style director Louise Hilsz before vs after side*

What's the recovery and after-care like for the first few days after injections?

After a lip filler treatment, your lips can swell, and bruising is normal, but this will subside within 72 hours post-injection.

How long will lip filler last?

Lip fillers typically last six to 12 months, depending on each person’s metabolism.

What happens if you don't like the look of the filler?

If you don't like the look, it can easily be dissolved with an injectable product that will return your lips to their original natural shape.

How much will lip filler cost?

We prioritise quality over speed, investing ample time in consultations to tailor the perfect lip design for each patient. Our lip filler is priced at $599 per ml, and one ml is typically sufficient for a natural-looking result.

The take home from style director Louise hilsz

I’ve always had a thin top lip and after having jaw surgery in my early twenties my mouth has been slightly lop-sided. Hayden over the last year has done a great job at correcting my smile using Xeomin (read my full review here) but the structure of my lips, to quote Hayden, “Your lips are collapsing.” So this treatment is the next step.
I found the process to be slightly intense purely because it was on my face and there were multiple injections but due to the numbing it didn’t hurt. I was swollen for 72 hours and had bruising but I am so thrilled with the final result, as promised he delivered on giving me a natural, fuller looking lip, which I love.