‘Lip filler? Yes please – but don’t make me look fake’

As I go to take a selfie, I pause a moment and study my face intently. There are no duck lips in sight nor any obvious signs that I’ve had lip filler. Yes, filler. But before you roll your eyes at yet another twentysomething chasing an over-stuffed pout (and admittedly my parents weren’t exactly thrilled), let me introduce you to Teoxane RHA Kiss. 

My results may be understated but the treatment itself is less so: think 10 injections, swelling and several days of bruising – more on that below. 

My thin upper lip has long been one of my biggest insecurities, which led me to try a Lip Flip last year – an upper lip Botox tweakment that temporarily relaxes the muscles just above your mouth, causing your lip to ‘flip’ up. I loved the results instantly. My smile looked fuller, I felt more confident in photos and I stopped fixating on my mouth. Ironically, none of my friends had ever noticed my smaller upper lip until I shared before-and-after photos on TikTok, where more than 78,000 people seemed to relate. 

So why not stick with the Lip Flip? Well, it only lasts up to three months. As much as I loved the initial results, I wanted something more enduring that still looked natural –no trout pout, thank you. That’s what led me to Teoxane RHA Kiss with Dr Jemma Gewargis, UK medical lead at Laser Clinics, who had previously done my Lip Flip.

 

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Teoxane RHA filler vs traditional filler

Both Teoxane RHA Kiss and traditional fillers are made from hyaluronic acid, but the main difference is processing, with the RHA technology undergoing less chemical modification during manufacturing. In Teoxane RHA Kiss, the molecules are ‘chained’ to move in harmony, creating a softer, more flexible gel that delivers subtle volume and definition, rather than the firm gel formulation used for traditional filler to create more structure and projection. This allows the RHA to closely mimic your natural tissue, stretching and moving more naturally with your facial expressions.

“It’s specifically designed for the lips and surrounding area, giving subtle volume, hydration and definition whilst maintaining a natural look and feel for the lips,” says Dr Gewargis. “It’s excellent for those looking for a subtle enhancement rather than more dramatic volume changes.”

While it isn’t a new treatment, the growing demand for tweakments that enhance rather than change your appearance has increased its popularity. Dr Gewargis has noticed that “people want to avoid that duck-like appearance.”

How long does it last?

RHA’s longevity is comparable to traditional lip fillers, although it ultimately depends on your metabolic response and lifestyle, which influence how quickly the product breaks down. In my case, we’re expecting the results to last between six and nine months.

What happens in the Teoxane RHA Kiss treatment?

I squeezed the appointment into my lunch break – the consultation and treatment take just 30 minutes – with the injections themselves lasting around 15.  I was assured I could go straight back to work. 

During the treatment I lay down on a bed for two rounds of numbing cream. There were 10 quick injection points evenly spaced across my top and bottom lip. You pay for either a 0.7ml or 1ml syringe – the lesser amount is ideal for first-timers who are nervous about the treatment.

Isla (left) with Dr Gewargis and the injections going in

After the initial 0.5ml, I was happy with the immediate result, but we decided to use the remaining 0.2ml too, knowing my lips would appear less full once the swelling had subsided. The injections were no more painful than a Lip Flip – just a few pinches and some slight discomfort towards the end as the numbing cream wore off. I’d worked myself up expecting the pain to be unbearable, but I barely felt a thing.

Pain and downtime

There was noticeable swelling immediately after, along with a little bruising directly on the lips. While bruising doesn’t happen to everyone, I tend to bruise easily, so I wasn’t surprised. It lasted around five days, indicating I’d had something done, but otherwise you couldn’t tell. There’s nothing to stop you from going back to work after, however if you’re concerned about potential side effects, you may feel more comfortable working from home. The clinic gave me an arnica cream which I applied three times a day to help speed up healing, and any bruising can be covered with makeup after 24 hours.

The next morning my lips looked noticeably fuller, which is completely normal as swelling often peaks overnight – I’d been pre-warned so I didn’t wake up and panic. They also felt tight and slightly lumpy, but that’s to be expected while the filler settles and integrates with the lip tissue. 

Aftercare

You can eat and drink as normal after, though the feeling of having tighter lips felt a little unusual to start. However, skip alcohol and caffeine for 48 hours, as they can affect blood circulation and increase the risk of bruising. You should also avoid drinking through a straw or anything that requires pursing your lips to prevent migration.

My day-to-day life wasn’t affected post-treatment, although I did wear lipstick to disguise some bruising when socialising and avoided taking photos. My colleagues noticed, but only because we spend hours sitting opposite each other. Otherwise, no one commented, and life carried on as normal.

Although I noticed a difference immediately due to initial swelling, the final result became much clearer after a week, once the filler had fully settled and the swelling subsided.

Isla’s lip filler journey: (from left) before, immediately after, the bruising in the following days, two weeks on

How much does it cost?

At The Laser Clinics, 0.7ml of Teoxane RHA Kiss costs £210, while 1ml is £290. Results typically last between six and nine months, depending on your metabolism and lifestyle factors like exercise (being more active means your body may break down filler quicker than someone with a more sedentary lifestyle). While it’s pricier than a Lip Flip (£79, lasting up to three months), the added longevity makes it better value over time.

Is it worth it?

So far four weeks on, yes. I still look like myself – just with a more defined cupid’s bow and an even smile (no overfilled, duck-lip look here!). This was never about vanity or chasing trends; it was about feeling more confident. In fact, most of my friends still have no idea I’ve had anything done, and even my sceptical parents struggled to spot an obvious difference – which felt like the biggest compliment. I did have a close friend ask if I’d started using a new plumping gloss, then when I told her about the treatment she said, “You’d never know, but in a good way. They just look really plump.”

Isla before (left) and a month on from the treatment

The only downside is the recovery. It’s worth factoring the swelling and potential bruising into your diary and social plans but with results lasting up to nine months, it’s a small trade-off.

I’d happily have the treatment again. As with any tweakment, the number one rule is finding a highly credentialled, trustworthy practitioner. Ask plenty of questions, voice any concerns and be completely honest about the look you want to achieve. That way, they can tailor the treatment to the result you’re after.

So, there you have it: lip filler doesn’t have to look fake! When it’s done well, the best results are the ones nobody else notices.

Teoxane RHA Kiss costs £210 at the Laser Clinic. To find other trusted practitioners, browse The Gloss Book