8 Things To Check Before Having Lip Fillers

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a substance injected into lips to make them look plumper and fuller. But if the person holding the needle isn’t a trained clinician, you could end up scarred for life.

Over the past couple of years, doctors and campaigners have reported an increase in ‘bogus’ nurses and amateur beauticians performing unsafe treatments from their kitchen or lounge. As a result, they say more patients are suffering from parts of their lips becoming lumpy or disproportionate in size, infections, ulceration or necrosis (when the lip tissue dies and goes black).

Anyone can buy hyaluronic acid gel and inject it into someone’s lips. This is because there are no laws in the UK that regulate people who carry out non-surgical cosmetic procedures, such as lip fillers. The Professional Standards Authority runs a Government-backed programme called Accredited Registers which lists professionals you can trust to treat you safely. Search for Practitioners >

8 ways to be sure you’re in safe hands:

1: Choose a safe clinician

We suggest you always choose a safe practitioner from one of our Accredited Registers.

2: Have a consultation

Professionals should ask for your age, full medical history and discuss all risks before agreeing an injection.

3: Take your time

Don’t let anyone pressure you into having lip fillers done there and then. You need time before making a decision.

4: Before & after photos

Ask for copies of before and after photographs. It’s a good idea to have photos of you smiling and frowning, too.

5:Take notes

Note down which hyaluronic acid product is being used for your lip fillers as well as the clinician’s name.

6: See the packaging

Ask the person giving you lip fillers to show you the hyaluronic acid in its unopened packaging, before injection.

7: Book a follow up

There should be no problems in booking a follow up and asking about treatment of any complications, if they occur.

8: Keep it clinical

Never agree to have lip fillers done at homes, at ‘parties’ or exhibitions, or in places that aren’t clean & clinical.

Download and keep our advice for safer lip fillers

Remember, no treatment is ever completely risk-free. But following this checklist should ensure your treatment is administered by a registered practitioner in a clinical environment.

Download our
8-point safety checklist

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Find a safe practitioner near you today by checking these Accredited Registers

Save Face

Save Face operates a register for doctors, nurses and dentists who provide non-surgical cosmetic treatments. They work in clinics that have been inspected and verified to meet Save Face's standards.

Check Practitioners

Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners

The Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners (JCCP) has been established to assist members of the public who are seeking/considering or undergoing non-surgical and hair restoration treatments (Injections, Fillers, Lasers, Peels and Hair Restoration) with advice on patient safety matters and how to gain access to registers of approved practitioners.