Lip Filler in Montreal, on Nuns' Island

Here's what people tell us when they sit down for a lip consultation:

• "My lips have gotten thinner over the years."

• "My top lip almost disappears when I smile."

• "One side looks fuller than the other."

• "I want them to look hydrated, not done."

• "I had filler somewhere else and I'm not sure about it."

If any of that sounds like you, a consultation is a good first step. Sometimes the answer is filler. Sometimes it's a lip flip, a smaller amount, or nothing at all.

1. 1

   Consultation. We go over your health history and what you'd like to change. In Québec, new patients are assessed by a physician at their first visit.

2. 2

   Numbing. When it's appropriate for you, we apply a numbing cream and give it time to work. Many lip fillers also contain a local anaesthetic.

3. 3

   Injection. Small, careful injections, checking shape and balance as we go. You can ask for a pause at any time.

4. 4

   How long. The whole appointment is about 30 to 60 minutes.

5. 5

   After. Some swelling is normal for a few days. We look at your result together at about 2 weeks.

Nisrine is a registered nurse. Before your first injectable treatment, a physician assesses you and sets your individual treatment plan. If a future treatment needs a doctor, we bring one in.

It often suits you if you want a bit more hydration, a clearer lip border, better balance between your top and bottom lip, or to bring back volume you've lost over time.

Skip it or wait if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, have a cold sore or infection near your mouth, or have a big event in the next two weeks. We always lean natural, but it's your face - we'll talk it through and tailor it to the look you want.

Not sure? That's what the consultation is for. The full list of things to tell us is in who should wait below.

Many people who come to us for lips aren't looking for a dramatic change. They want their lips to look a little more rested, more even, or more defined. Others have had filler elsewhere and want an honest opinion before doing anything more. All of these are good reasons to book a consultation.

Lip volume varies naturally with genetics and can decrease over time as the skin's support changes. Hyaluronic acid is a substance found naturally in the body that helps hold water and structure, which is why it's commonly used for lip treatments. Your consultation is where we work out what "natural" means for you: a touch more fullness, a crisper border, softer vertical lines, or better symmetry.

Sometimes the right answer is a smaller amount, a different approach (such as a lip flip), or no treatment at all. We'd rather tell you that than recommend something you don't need.

You don't need to arrive knowing how much you want. Volume alone can't predict your result. Your lip structure, the product selected and where it's placed all shape the outcome. Two people asking for "a little more" can need different amounts.

In general:

• 0.5 mL (lip hydration) is often a fit if you're new to filler, want a soft refresh, or mainly want hydration and a smoother surface.

• 1 mL (lip enhancement) is often a fit if you want more visible definition, better balance between the upper and lower lip, or more volume.

Our approach is conservative: we aim to use the least product appropriate for the result we agree on. If you're unsure, starting smaller and reassessing at your follow-up is a reasonable choice.

Lips are sensitive. Most people describe brief pinching, stinging or pressure. Some hyaluronic acid lip fillers also contain a local anaesthetic to help with comfort. These measures make treatment more comfortable but don't guarantee a completely painless experience.

Tell us if you're nervous, have had an uncomfortable experience before, or need us to slow down. Your comfort is part of the treatment plan, and you never need to "push through."

General aftercare we give for hyaluronic acid filler:

• Avoid touching, massaging or applying pressure to the treated area for 24 hours.

• Apply cold compresses gently, wrapped in a clean cloth, to help with swelling.

• Avoid alcohol and intense exercise for 24 to 48 hours.

• Expect mild swelling and bruising; they usually resolve within a few days.

• Attend your follow-up if one is recommended, so we can review your result once swelling has settled.

Dissolving is also part of how filler complications are managed, which is one reason hyaluronic acid is commonly chosen for lips. If you've had filler elsewhere and you're unhappy with the shape or worried about migration, book an assessment before adding more product. Sometimes the best first step is to correct, not add.

A typical first lip appointment:

1. 1

   Health history and goals. We review your medical history, medications, allergies and previous treatments, and ask what you'd like to change and what you'd like to keep.

2. 2

   Assessment. We look at your lips at rest and in movement, along with their proportions to your nose, chin and smile.

3. 3

   Plan and price. We recommend an approach and an amount, explain the risks, and confirm the price before anything is done.

4. 4

   Numbing and treatment, if you decide to proceed.

5. 5

   Aftercare and follow-up. You leave with written instructions and know exactly how to reach us.

In Québec, new patients must be assessed by a physician at their first visit. You can also bring photos of lips you like. They help us understand your taste, but your plan is always built around your own anatomy.

If you've had lip filler before, bring whatever details you have: the approximate date, the amount and the clinic. If you don't remember, that's fine too. Common concerns include a blurred lip border, fullness above the lip line, lumps, or lips that no longer feel like yours. In some cases we recommend waiting or dissolving before any new treatment. Your safety and long-term result come before doing something on the same day.

A McGill University graduate, Nisrine built a strong clinical foundation through experience across several specialties before dedicating her practice to aesthetic medicine.

Our team works in French and English.

A few practical points:

• Timing: allow at least two weeks before weddings, photos or travel.

• Medications: don't stop any prescribed medication on your own. Tell us what you take, and we'll advise you.

• Comfort: plan a calm rest of the day.

• Getting here: free gated parking is available behind the clinic, with 90 minutes complimentary.