Will 2023 mark the end of overfilling?

There have been discussions in consumer media about the fall of filler, with numerous celebrities such as Courtney Cox, Faye Winter and Blacc Chyna having their filler dissolved. However, according to Dr Asha Chhaya, in many cases, the dissolved filler is simply reapplied by a higher-trained professional.

Aesthetic Medicine: What are the dangers of overfilling the lips?

Dr Asha Chhaya: Too much lip filler can be dangerous and has the potential to lead to a number of risks and complications. Aside from creating an unnatural appearance, overfilling the lips can also cause pain, discomfort, and difficulty speaking and eating.

In rare cases, excessive lip filler can result in more serious complications, such as vascular occlusion, which is when the filler obstructs a blood vessel and could potentially lead to tissue death and scarring if left untreated.

AM: How much filler should be injected in one session?

AC: The amount of lip filler that should be injected in one session depends on several factors, including the patient's individual anatomy, the desired outcome, and the type of filler used. My personal recommendation is to start with a conservative amount of filler, typically between 0.5 and 1 ml, and then add more gradually over time if needed, to achieve the desired result.

I always carry out a thorough consultation prior to any treatment where I assess the patient's lips and discuss their goals and preferences. I then recommend a treatment plan that considers the patient's individual needs and anatomy. This plan may involve multiple sessions of filler injections spaced several weeks apart, depending on the desired outcome.

It's important to remember that the amount of filler required to achieve the desired results may vary depending on the individual and that more filler is not necessarily better.

If a patient asks me to inject their lips with more than 1ml in one session, I will educate them on the risks associated with doing this and why this is not the best approach. I consider it my responsibility as a medical injector to prioritise the well-being and bests interests of patients at all times.

AM: What should you do if a patient’s lips have been overfilled?

AC: I would urge anyone who has had their lips overfilled to avoid attempting to fix the issue with unqualified individuals, as this can potentially worsen the situation and lead to further complications. They should seek advice from an experienced medical injector as soon as possible who will help to provide guidance on the most suitable course of action, which may entail dissolving the filler.

AM: Will lips ever ‘return to normal’ after being overfilled?

AC: In most cases, lips that have been overfilled with filler will gradually return to their natural appearance over time as the filler is absorbed by the body. This process can take several weeks or even months, depending on the type and amount of filler used. Getting filler dissolved will help to accelerate this process.

However, it's important to note that in some cases, overfilling can result in permanent damage to the lips or surrounding tissues, particularly if the filler has migrated to other areas or caused scarring.

Find out more at sknclinics.co.uk