Lip filler is one of the most searched cosmetic treatments in the UK, and one of the most misunderstood. If you have been thinking about it but are not sure what to expect, what it costs, or whether it is right for you, this guide is written specifically for you. There is no jargon, no pressure, and no unrealistic before-and-after promises — just everything you genuinely need to know before your first appointment at Alexandra Beauty Boutique in Horsham.
Your Consultation: Where Every Treatment Starts
At Alexandra Beauty Boutique, no lip filler treatment begins without a proper consultation. This is not a formality — it is the most important part of the process. We discuss what you like and dislike about your lips, what result you are hoping for, your medical history, any medications you take, and whether there are any reasons the treatment might not be suitable for you right now.
We also talk about facial proportions. Good lip filler is not just about adding volume — it is about how your lips relate to the rest of your face. The goal is always an improvement that looks like the best version of you, not an obvious procedure. If I think a different approach would serve you better than what you have asked for, I will say so.
0.5ml vs 1ml: Which Is Right for a First Timer?
This is the question most first-time clients ask, and the honest answer is: 0.5ml for the majority of people having lip filler for the first time.
0.5ml produces a subtle, natural enhancement — a small improvement in definition, a slight increase in volume, a more symmetrical shape. You will notice the difference. Most people around you will not be certain what has changed, only that you look well. This is a feature, not a limitation.
1ml is appropriate for clients who want a more noticeable result, who have had 0.5ml before and want to build on it, or whose lips are naturally very thin and asymmetric. It is not inherently too much — it depends entirely on your lips and your goal. We discuss this at your consultation.
The golden rule: you can always add more at a future appointment. You cannot undo a result that is too dramatic the same day. Starting conservatively is always the right approach for a first treatment.
Standard vs Premium Filler: Is It Worth Paying More?
Not all lip fillers are the same product. At Alexandra Beauty Boutique, we offer both standard and premium hyaluronic acid filler options. The difference matters in practice.
Premium fillers are formulated specifically for lips — they have a softer, more flexible consistency that moves naturally with your mouth, integrates more smoothly into lip tissue, and tends to last longer. Standard filler produces good results for many clients, but for lips specifically, the premium product is often worth the difference in cost for its longevity and feel.
We discuss both options at your consultation, explain the difference in price and result, and let you decide. There is no upselling — just transparent information.
What Happens During the Appointment
On the day of your treatment, your lips are cleaned and numbing cream is applied. The cream takes around 15 to 20 minutes to take full effect. During this time, we finalise the treatment plan and answer any last questions.
The injection itself is quick — typically 10 to 15 minutes. The filler is placed using a fine needle or a cannula (a blunt-tipped tube), depending on the technique that suits your lip structure. Alexandra will explain which approach she is using and why.
Most clients describe the sensation as a mild pressure or pinch — uncomfortable rather than painful. The numbing cream does most of the work. The whole appointment, from arrival to leaving, is usually 45 to 60 minutes.
The 72-Hour Swelling Timeline: What to Expect Day by Day
Swelling after lip filler is normal. It is not a sign something has gone wrong — it is a predictable response to any injection in lip tissue, which is very vascular (rich in blood vessels). Here is what to expect:
Day 1 (immediately after): Your lips will look noticeably swollen, larger than your intended result. This is temporary. Some clients also experience minor bruising or tenderness at injection points. This is normal and expected.
Day 2: Swelling typically peaks on the morning after treatment. Your lips may look fuller than you hoped for. Do not judge the result yet.
Day 3: Swelling begins to reduce significantly. The lips start to feel softer and more natural. The result is beginning to become readable.
Day 7 to 14: The filler has settled. Any remaining bruising has usually faded. This is when you can genuinely assess the result. Alexandra offers a complimentary 2-week review appointment — this is when any minor adjustments, if needed, are made.
Aftercare: What to Avoid and for How Long
Good aftercare in the first 24 to 48 hours protects your result and minimises swelling and bruising. The key rules are straightforward:
For the first 24 hours: avoid touching or pressing on your lips, avoid lipstick and lip gloss, avoid intense exercise, avoid alcohol, avoid extreme heat (saunas, very hot showers, direct sun). Sleep on your back if you can, to avoid pressure on the lips overnight.
For the first 48 hours: avoid dental appointments, facial treatments, and any procedure near the mouth area. Continue avoiding alcohol, which dilates blood vessels and can worsen bruising.
After 48 hours: you can wear lip products, exercise normally, and carry on as usual. Apply SPF to the lip area when outdoors — UV exposure degrades filler over time.
How Long Does Lip Filler Last?
Lip filler is not permanent. Hyaluronic acid filler is broken down gradually by your body's natural processes. Standard filler typically lasts 6 to 9 months in the lips. Premium filler can last 9 to 12 months or longer. Lips metabolise filler faster than other areas of the face because they move constantly.
Lifestyle factors affect longevity: higher metabolism, regular intense exercise, sun exposure, and smoking all accelerate breakdown. Staying well hydrated and using SPF both help filler last longer.
When your filler begins to break down, you will not suddenly return to your pre-treatment lips — the change is gradual. Most clients book a top-up when they feel the volume has reduced to a point where they want it refreshed.
Lip Filler Pricing in Horsham
At Alexandra Beauty Boutique in Horsham, lip filler starts from £150 for 0.5ml and £180 for 1ml. Premium filler options are available and priced at consultation. There are no hidden costs — your consultation is included in the treatment price.
View our full aesthetics pricing for all treatments and combination options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will lip filler hurt?
Numbing cream is applied before treatment, which significantly reduces discomfort. Most clients describe the sensation as a mild pressure or pinch rather than pain. The appointment takes around 45 minutes in total.
Will my lip filler look natural?
With the right amount and an experienced practitioner, yes. For first-time clients, 0.5ml is usually recommended for a subtle, natural result. The goal is always to improve proportion and definition — not to create an obvious treatment look. If natural results are your priority, tell Alexandra at your consultation and she will tailor the approach accordingly.
Can lip filler be dissolved if I don't like it?
Yes. Hyaluronic acid filler can be dissolved using an enzyme called hyaluronidase. This gives you full control over your result and is one of the reasons hyaluronic acid filler is the gold standard choice for lip enhancement. Dissolving is effective and quick, and your lips return to their natural state within a few days. Your practitioner will discuss this at your consultation.
How much does lip filler cost in Horsham?
Lip filler at Alexandra Beauty Boutique starts from £150 for 0.5ml. See our full pricing page for all options.
How long does lip filler last?
Typically 6 to 12 months depending on the product used, your metabolism, and how closely you follow aftercare guidance. Premium fillers last longer. Alexandra will advise on expected longevity at your consultation. For more detail, read our aesthetics treatments FAQ.
Book Your Lip Filler Consultation in Horsham
Ready to take the next step? The process starts with a no-pressure consultation at Alexandra Beauty Boutique in North Horsham. We will talk through your goals, answer every question you have, and make sure lip filler is the right treatment for you before anything else happens.
You can also read our aesthetics FAQ for answers to more common questions about lip filler and other treatments in Horsham.
Book your Consultation
Ready to take the next step? Our Horsham team are available to discuss your goals and book a consultation.
Disclaimer: This article provides general guidance and does not replace personalised medical advice. Dermal fillers are prescription-only medicines. A full medical consultation is required before treatment. For specific medical concerns, consult your practitioner or GP.