Understanding lip fillers

Lip filler is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure used to enhance the shape, volume and definition of the lips. They are often chosen by individuals with naturally thin lips or by those who have lost volume over time due to ageing. A successful result relies heavily on the practitioner’s understanding of facial anatomy, as this ensures the lips are enhanced in proportion to the rest of the face and helps avoid complications such as asymmetry, uneven texture, vascular compromise or a 'duck lips' appearance caused by too much filler.

The most common lip filler ingredient is hyaluronic acid - a substance that occurs naturally in the body and helps to retain moisture. When injected into the lips, it attracts water and creates a fuller, more hydrated appearance. Hyaluronic acid fillers are generally considered safe, and they can be dissolved if necessary using an enzyme called hyaluronidase. Other ingredients in the filler solution may include lidocaine, a mild anaesthetic used to reduce discomfort during the procedure. Less commonly, some permanent or semi-permanent fillers use synthetic materials, though these carry a higher risk of adverse outcomes and are not widely recommended for lip enhancement.

What is the lip filler aftercare procedure?

Proper aftercare post-lip filler is an important part of the lip filler process and helps reduce the risk of complications. Your practitioner should give you clear instructions to follow once the procedure is complete. These usually include:

• Avoid touching or massaging the lips for at least 24 hours unless advised otherwise
• Keep the area clean and avoid applying makeup around the lips for the first day
• Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol, which can increase swelling or bruising
• Avoid strenuous exercise, saunas and hot baths for at least 24–48 hours, as heat can worsen swelling
• Use cold compresses to reduce lip filler swelling and discomfort
• Attend any follow-up appointments so your practitioner can check for signs of potential complications

How do you know if lip filler has gone wrong?

While most lip filler injections are carried out successfully, there are occasions when the procedure can go wrong. Potential lip filler complications include:

• Lumpy lip filler or irregularities in the lip structure
• Inappropriate swelling and prolonged bruising
• Tissue death around the injection site
• Uneven lips
• Excessive scarring
• Lip filler going above the lip or migrating elsewhere

What is my surgeon's duty of care?

Your surgeon must follow a clear duty of care at every stage of your cosmetic treatment. If they fail to meet this, and you experience complications or poor outcomes as a result, this could be classed as negligence. Their duty of care includes:

• Before the procedure: assessing your suitability for the treatment, testing for allergic reactions, explaining all potential risks, setting realistic expectations for the outcome and discussing alternative options.
• During the procedure: performing the treatment to an acceptable professional standard, using the correct method and maintaining proper hygiene throughout.
• After the procedure: checking your progress during follow-up appointments, identifying any signs of complications (such as infection, asymmetry or product migration), and providing or referring you for further care if needed.

If your surgeon has not followed these steps, and your lip filler has gone wrong as a result, you may have grounds to claim for cosmetic negligence. Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors may be able to help you secure compensation.

What steps should I take if I suspect I have suffered complications as a result of negligence?

If you suspect you have suffered complications due to a lip filler procedure, you should take the following steps:

1. Seek medical attention: first and foremost, consult a healthcare professional for any medical concerns. They can assess your condition and provide necessary treatment.
2. Document your experience: start a record of your symptoms and any other relevant details, such as dates and any communication with your surgeon or clinic.
3. Gather evidence: photographs of your symptoms, copies of medical records and receipts for any related expenses can all be useful evidence.
4. Seek legal advice: if you believe your complications are the result of negligence, consult with a legal professional who specialises in cosmetic surgery negligence. At Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors, we have a team of experts who can provide a free consultation and advise you on whether you have a valid claim.
5. File a complaint: if appropriate, you might want to file a formal complaint with the clinic or surgeon who performed your procedure.

Remember, it is essential to take action as soon as possible if you believe you have been the victim of negligent cosmetic surgery, to enable the best chance of making a successful dermal filler compensation claim.

How long do I have to file a compensation claim for botched lip filler?

You typically have three years to file a compensation claim for a negligent lip filler procedure starting from the date of the negligence, or from when you first became aware of it. This is known as the 'date of knowledge'. However, this time limit can be extended in certain circumstances.

1. Minors: if the person who underwent the procedure was under the age of 18 at the time, the three-year limitation begins on their 18th birthday. This means that they have until their 21st birthday to make a claim. This rule is in place to ensure that young people, who may not have the immediate means or capacity to take legal action, have ample time to pursue compensation when they reach adulthood. While it is illegal for under-18s to receive dermal fillers, laws are still set in place to help minors affected to claim compensation.
2. Lack of mental capacity: if a person lacks the mental capacity to manage their own affairs and legal proceedings, there is no time limit for making a claim. This rule is applied when someone is incapable of making decisions due to a mental health condition or severe learning difficulties. If the person regains their mental capacity, the three-year time limit begins from the date they regained capacity.

In exceptional circumstances, courts may be able to allow claims to proceed even if the three-year time limit has passed. These are much the exception rather than the rule and will generally need to be of a very serious nature or have extenuating circumstances.

As with any legal matter, the interpretation of these exceptions can vary based on individual circumstances, and it is always best to seek expert advice. At Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors, we're experienced in handling these complex cases and can provide guidance based on your specific situation.

How long will my lip filler claim take?

Each dermal lip filler case we handle is unique, and so we pride ourselves on providing a bespoke service to each and every one of our clients. Because we tailor our advice to each individual, the timescales involved in each case can vary.

As soon as you start your claim with us, your dedicated solicitor will review the details of your case and offer advice at every step of the way.

How much compensation can I expect to receive for complications related to lip filler?

The amount of compensation you may receive for a successful claim will depend on the specifics of your case. This typically includes consideration of the severity of the negligence, the extent of any physical and emotional harm, any ongoing health issues, and the impact on your life and work.

In the UK, compensation for medical negligence claims can range from a few thousand pounds for minor, short-term injuries to tens or even hundreds of thousands of pounds for serious, long-term or permanent injuries.

Financial loss is also taken into account. This can cover the cost of corrective procedures, medical treatments, loss of earnings and any other related costs.

At Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors, we will work tirelessly to ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible for your claim. However, each case is unique and past compensation amounts don't guarantee future outcomes.

Can I claim compensation for other related expenses, such as corrective procedures, travel costs and loss of earnings?

Dermal filler compensation typically includes not just an amount for the pain and suffering you have experienced due to your dermal filler injuries, but also 'special damages'. Special damages are designed to compensate for quantifiable financial losses caused by the negligence. These can include:

• Corrective procedures: if you require additional treatment or surgery to correct the issues caused by the original procedure, the cost of these can be included in the claim.
• Loss of earnings: if you have had to take time off work, or you're unable to work due to the negligent treatment, you can claim for loss of earnings. 
• Travel and accommodation costs: you can also make a dermal filler claim for travel costs related to your corrective treatment, and even accommodation costs if you've had to stay overnight for treatment.
• Other expenses: any other reasonable costs you have had to pay as a direct result of the negligent lip filler procedure can also be included.

Our team at Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors will work with you to identify all the costs you've incurred and include these in your claim to ensure you receive the full compensation you're entitled to.

Why choose our lip filler claims solicitors?

We were the first legal practice to form a specialist department solely focused on cosmetic surgery negligence in England and Wales. Our extensive knowledge in this field has resulted in more than £10 million in compensation claimed on behalf of our clients to date.

With more than 15 years of experience in handling lip filler claims for people who have endured needless suffering due to negligence, we are well-placed to support you through the claims process.

Our team, led by respected solicitor Michael Saul, is highly regarded for our standard of service, with a rating of “excellent” on Trustpilot.

We operate on a no win, no fee basis, so we only take payment if your case is successful. This approach means there is no financial risk involved in making a claim with us.

We are on hand to answer any questions that you may have about the lip filler claims process and we will be here to support you through what can be a stressful experience. We will strive to protect you from that stress, guiding you through the complicated process of gathering evidence and proving that your surgeon's negligence was the cause of your suffering, all the way through to getting the result you deserve.