Every photograph here shows actual lip filler clients at Opulent Aesthetics by Sadie. Nothing is retouched, filtered, or reshaped, and no lipstick or lip product was worn on either shot.
If you’ve looked online for lip filler before-and-after photos, you’ve probably seen stock photos from manufacturer galleries built to sell filler to clinics, or clinic pages that only show the after result.
None of them depicts what it’s like days after treatment, when swelling is at its worst. This page does the opposite.
We show what the first few days can look like, alongside the settled results here, so you can see whether lip fillers suit you.
Unsure yet? Book a free consultation, and we’ll talk through your goals.
Lip Filler Before and After Results: Our Client Photos
We shot all images in our Caterham room. We tried to capture each image under similar conditions: same lighting, camera, and angles.
Our clients aren’t wearing any lip products.
In the caption, we tell you how much volume of filler we used and the time passed between the treatment and the ‘after’ shot.
What is Lip Filler?
Lip filler is made from hyaluronic acid gel, a substance that naturally occurs in the body. When injected into the lips, the gel fills fine lines, enhances shape, and evens out volume.
The effect is temporary, typically lasting 6-12 months, because the gel breaks down gradually. Lip filler can be topped up or dissolved if needed.
Lip fillers are applied using very fine injections. The aesthetician applies a numbing anaesthetic beforehand, so you’re comfortable during the treatment.
The whole appointment usually takes around 30-45 minutes, depending on the volume and shape you like.
Once the filler is applied, you’ll see results right away. However, your lips may swell, which can affect their appearance. It’s completely normal, and the swelling will go away after a few days.
The Swelling Timeline
Swelling is normal after getting lip filler. Knowing what to expect keeps you calm while your lips heal and settle into their final shape.
Days one to three
Swelling usually peaks within 24 to 48 hours. Your lips may swell unevenly, and you might see some bruising.
Mild tenderness, tightness, and small bumps at the injection points are also normal. Applying ice helps reduce the swelling.
Weeks one to four
Most swelling settles by the end of the first week. Over the next two or three weeks, the shape settles as the gel integrates with the surrounding lip tissue.
By the fourth week, you’ll see the full effect of the lip filler.
If anything still looks uneven after four weeks, book a follow-up appointment.
What 0.5ml, 1ml and 2ml of Lip Filler Look Like
If you have naturally thin lips, 0.5ml is a great starting point. This amount softens a flat cupid’s bow and adds a subtle boost of volume.
1ml is our most popular choice. It creates a visible yet natural difference, giving you fuller lips and a defined border while keeping your original shape.
[Note: For 2ml, we can discuss whether a single session or two separate appointments suits your goals during your consultation.]
At Opulent Aesthetics, we prioritise symmetry and shape over total volume. We prefer starting with smaller doses to achieve the best results.
Book a free consultation, and we’ll create a custom plan for you.
Lip Filler on Thin Lips
Naturally thin lips often need less filler than you might expect. If your cupid’s bow lacks definition or your top lip disappears when you smile, we start with a conservative dose of 0.5 ml or 1ml.
Building volume gradually across several visits looks more natural than a large dose in one session.
However, if your lips have lost volume due to age, we use a different approach that treats the lip border, and not just the surface.
If the skin around your mouth needs extra support, we may recommend skin boosters alongside your filler.
During your consultation, Sadie creates a plan based on your needs. Our goal is a result that looks like an improved version of you.
What It Costs
Lip filler at Opulent Aesthetics starts at £200 per session for 1 ml.
Lip filler is temporary, so most patients return for a top-up between six and twelve months after their first appointment.
We also use filler to treat other facial areas. You can view the full price list for these treatments below:
- Cheek filler: restores facial volume
- Chin filler: adds projection or improves symmetry
- Nasolabial fold filler: softens lines between your nose and mouth
- Jawline filler: defines your natural contour
When Lip Filler Goes Wrong
Lip fillers are safe, especially when the procedure is performed by a qualified cosmetic injector.
Normal side effects include mild swelling, tenderness, and minor bruising for two to three days.
Contact us at your follow-up appointment if you notice:
- Lumps that do not soften after two weeks
- Asymmetry once swelling fades
- Volume that feels larger than discussed
Serious complications are rare. Contact us immediately if you experience any of the following:
- Swelling that worsens after two days
- Lips that feel cold or hard, or change colour (especially pale or dusky tones)
- Severe pain or a spreading rash
- Bleeding that continues after gentle pressure
- Infection signs, such as warmth, discharge, or fever
- Visual changes
Do not ignore these symptoms. We will assess whether you need an adjustment or further care.
Do Lip Fillers Hurt?
Most clients rate the pain around 2 to 5 out of 10. This varies from patient to patient and depends on which part of the mouth is being treated.
The upper lip, particularly near the cupid’s bow, is more sensitive than the rest.
We apply numbing cream before we begin. You may feel pressure and a brief sting at each injection point, but not ongoing pain.
If you feel nervous, tell us during your consultation. We can take steps to make your experience more comfortable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do lip fillers look bad at first?
Lips that have been filled will often look large and lumpy during the first two or three days. Swelling peaks within the first forty-eight hours, but settles over two to four weeks.
What is the worst day after getting lip filler?
The worst day for swelling and tenderness usually happens one to two days after the treatment. After the filler settles, you’ll see steady visible changes.
How painful is lip filler, on a scale of one to ten?
Most patients rate it between a 2 and 5 on a scale of 1 to 10. The aesthetician applies numbing cream to reduce sensation in the area. The initial needle prick may feel like a bee sting. You may also feel a slight pressure or fullness when the gel is pushed into the lips.
Is there a downside to lip fillers?
There are three main cons to lip fillers:
The cost adds up because filler is temporary and needs repeating.
The short-term side effects such as swelling and bruising during the first few days
The risk of aesthetic issues or medical complications, especially if the lip filler was not done by a professional.
Do people regret lip fillers?
Some do, and the reasons usually range from initial swelling panic, initial product migration, or overfilled lips. All are avoidable and can be addressed during the initial consultation.
Do lip fillers last longer the second time?
Often, and it is worth knowing when weighing up the cost. Once the area has held some volume before, later sessions can sometimes go further with the same amount of filler.
Whether you’re new to lip fillers or returning for your next course, we’d love to help you feel more beautiful and confident.
During your consultation, we assess your lips and discuss realistic outcomes. We start with a smaller dose for natural-looking results.
Drop by our Caterham and South Croydon rooms, get in touch with the team to book your free consultation.