top of page

The Complete Guide to Lip Augmentation Cost in the UK

  • Dr. Shehnaz Quasim
  • 2 days ago
  • 10 min read

Updated: 12 minutes ago

In 2025, non-surgical lip fillers in the UK usually cost £200–£500 per syringe, whereas surgical augmentation ranges from £2,000 to £4,500, with figures climbing to about £5,700 for dual PermaLip implants. These numbers shift because “lip augmentation” covers everything from a quick 0.5 ml top-up in a high-street clinic to a consultant-led fat transfer in a private theatre. Brand of product, experience of the injector, regional overheads and even your starting lip shape all push the quote up or down.


If you are trying to decide whether the smile-boost is worth the spend, the next few minutes will help. This guide unpacks every cost factor, shows where clinics add hidden fees, compares longevity against price, and offers practical tips on finance without compromising safety. By the end, you will know exactly what ‘good value’ looks like — and which questions to ask before booking. First, let’s pin down what lip augmentation actually means and why the term can hide four very different procedures.


What Does Lip Augmentation Really Mean?


Put simply, lip augmentation covers any technique that adds shape, volume or sharper borders to the lips—temporarily or for life. From a five-minute injection to a one-hour operation, every method sits on the same spectrum, so comparing price tags only makes sense once you know which end of that spectrum you’re on. Clinics advertise fees “per ml”, “per session” or “all-inclusive”; understanding the small print now will stop your final lip augmentation cost spiralling later.


Non-surgical vs surgical options


  • Hyaluronic acid fillers (Juvéderm, Restylane): 10–20 min, topical anaesthetic, back to work same day

  • Autologous fat transfer: 60 min, light sedation, bruising/swelling 5–7 days

  • PermaLip silicone implants: 30 min, local anaesthetic, 3–5 days downtime

  • Lip lift (bullhorn or corner): 45 min, local or twilight, sutures out day 7


Common goals patients pay for


  • Plumper volume for naturally thin lips (usually 1 ml filler)

  • Balancing left-right asymmetry after injury (micro-bolus filler or fat)

  • Softening smoker’s lines (0.5 ml filler plus skin resurfacing)

  • Improving tooth-lip show with a subtle lip lift


Quick glossary of pricing terms


  • Filler syringe – 1 ml pre-filled cartridge

  • Implant fee – cost of PermaLip device

  • Facility fee – theatre, nursing and equipment

  • Aftercare kit – ice packs, arnica, antivirals

  • Revision – discounted tweak or correction


Typical Price Ranges at a Glance


Before you start crunching finance calculators, it helps to know what most UK clinics are actually charging right now. The figures below come from published 2024–2025 price lists, industry surveys and mystery-shopper calls, so they represent realistic “walk-in” quotes rather than flash-sale deals. Use them as a sanity check when a lip augmentation cost seems suspiciously high—or worryingly cheap.


Average national costs in 2025


Most clinics advertise a band rather than a single figure, because volumes and techniques vary. Here’s what you can expect to see on the menu (VAT already included):


  • Lip fillers (0.5 ml): £150–£300

  • Lip fillers (1 ml): £250–£500

  • Fat transfer (both lips): £2,300–£3,500

  • Lip lift surgery: £2,000–£3,000

  • PermaLip implants (both lips): £5,000–£5,700


Prices at the very bottom of these ranges are typically introductory offers for new injectors, while the top end reflects consultant-level care using premium brands such as Juvéderm Volift or Teosyal RHA.


Regional price variations: London vs rest of UK


Location has a measurable impact on lip augmentation cost:


  • London and the South-East: Expect an uplift of roughly +20 % to cover higher rent, insurance and staffing overheads. A 1 ml filler that costs £320 in Manchester may run £385–£400 in Marylebone.

  • Northern cities & rural clinics: Fees can be 10–15 % lower than the national mean, but factor in rail fares or petrol for follow-up visits—savings evaporate quickly if you need multiple reviews.

  • Harley Street hot spots: Star-name surgeons may quote above the national high-end, but those packages often bundle anaesthetist and aftercare, so read the inclusions line by line.


Price comparison table: fillers, fat grafting, implants, lip lift


Procedure

Average Up-Front Cost

Expected Longevity

Downtime

Maintenance Needed

1 ml HA filler

£250–£500

6–12 months

0–24 hrs

£250–£400 yearly top-ups

Fat transfer

£2,300–£3,500

5+ years (after take)

5–7 days

Possible £1,000 graft repeat

PermaLip implants

£5,000–£5,700

Permanent

3–5 days

Removal/replace £1,000 if desired

Surgical lip lift

£2,000–£3,000

Permanent

5–7 days

Occasional scar refinement £200


Seen side by side, the “price per year of result” often swings opinion: repeat fillers add up over time, while a single surgical fee can work out cheaper across a decade.


Key Factors That Influence Lip Augmentation Cost


No two quotes are the same because five moving parts push the number up or down. Knowing what sits behind the figure allows you to judge whether a higher fee buys genuine value or just glossy décor.


Product brand and volume (e.g. 0.5 ml vs 1 ml)


  • Premium hyaluronic gels such as Juvéderm Volbella or Teosyal RHA can add £40–£100 per ml compared with entry-level lines.

  • Clinics charge by the syringe, so doubling from 0.5 ml to 1 ml nearly doubles price, although the second syringe is often discounted 10–20 %.

  • For fat transfer, larger harvests mean longer theatre time, adding £200–£300.


Experience of injector or surgeon


  • A newly qualified aesthetic nurse may price a 1 ml filler at £250; a GMC-registered consultant with 10+ years can command £450–£500.

  • Higher fees usually cover better complication insurance and access to reversal agents—worth factoring into your lip augmentation cost calculus.


Clinic overheads and technology used


  • CQC-registered medical settings incur sterility, staffing and audit expenses, reflected in a 10–15 % premium over beauty salons.

  • Advanced imaging, such as the 3D iTero scans used at Wigmore Smiles & Aesthetics, helps map symmetry and can improve results, but adds £30–£50 to the package.


Complexity of your starting anatomy


  • Thin, asymmetrical or scarred lips demand micro-bolus techniques and extra review visits.

  • Expect an additional £50–£150 for corrective finesse or bespoke cannula work.


Aftercare package inclusions


  • Quality bundles include:

    • Cooling gel packs

    • Antiviral medication (if prone to cold sores)

    • 24-hour helpline and a two-week review

  • These items can cost the clinic £20–£40; some absorb the charge, others list it separately, so clarify before paying.


Understanding how each lever affects the final quote gives you the power to compare like for like—and avoid nasty surprises on settlement day.


Comparing Different Types of Lip Procedures and Their Pricing


Now that you understand the forces behind any quote, it’s time to stack the procedures side-by-side. This section breaks down what you actually pay on the day, how long the result lasts and what that means for your long-term lip augmentation cost. Use it as a quick decision tool before booking a consultation.


Hyaluronic acid fillers: cost, longevity, maintenance


First-visit spend sits between £250 and £500 for 1 ml (or £150–£300 for 0.5 ml). Results hold for six to twelve months, although metabolism, smoking and gym habits can cut that to four. Most clients budget for a yearly top-up of £250–£400. If you change your mind, dissolving with hyaluronidase is possible but adds £150–£250 to the bill. On the plus side, downtime is minimal: ice it, avoid lipstick for 24 hours and you’re done.


Autologous fat transfer: cost per lip, pros and cons


Expect an inclusive theatre fee of £2,300–£3,500 for both lips, which covers liposuction harvest, sedation and facility costs. Roughly 30–50 % of the graft reabsorbs, so a secondary “touch-up” (£1,000–£1,500) is common. When the fat survives, you’re looking at five-plus years of fullness with no synthetic material left behind. Bruising can sideline you for a working week.


Lip implants (PermaLip): upfront vs lifetime cost


PermaLip silicone inserts cost £2,865 for one lip or £5,000–£5,700 for both, sizing included. They deliver an instant, permanent contour, but remember removal or replacement (£1,000 or so) may be required if tastes change or if implant rotation occurs. Downtime is three to five days, mainly swelling.


Surgical lip lift: fixed fee breakdown


A bullhorn or corner lift typically comes in at £2,000–£3,000 all-inclusive—covering surgeon, facility, local anaesthetic and two review visits. Stitches are out in a week, and scars usually settle within three months. Because the lift shortens skin rather than adding volume, many patients pair it with small filler sessions later, but the structural change itself is permanent.


Combining procedures: when costs overlap


  • Filler after a lip lift for extra pout: add £200–£300

  • Same-day chin or cheek filler packages often unlock 10–15 % multi-area discounts

  • Scheduling fat transfer with other cosmetic surgery under one anaesthetic can save £500+ in duplicated theatre fees


Tally every element first; doubling up without a clear plan quickly turns a sensible quote into sticker shock. Understanding these mix-and-match scenarios keeps your total lip augmentation cost realistic.


Hidden and Ongoing Costs You Should Budget For


Headline figures rarely tell the whole financial story. Even when the clinic bills a single “all-inclusive” price, a handful of extras can creep in before, during and long after treatment. Being aware of them now means you can set aside a realistic pot of cash rather than raiding the overdraft later.


Consultation and patch tests


Most reputable providers charge £25–£100 for the initial consult; many refund it if you book on the day, but not all. Surgical candidates may also need blood work, ECG or COVID/PCR screening, adding £50–£150. Allergy patch tests for local anaesthetic are uncommon yet can cost £30.


Top-up or revision treatments


Swelling settles, needles soften, and sometimes the mirror says “more please”. A typical filler top-up at three to six months runs £150–£250. Revision surgery—removing bumps, shifting implants or repeating fat graft—usually comes in at 50 %–70 % of the original fee.


Downtime expenses: time off work, travel


Taking five working days off for surgery on a £150-a-day salary equals £750 in lost income. Factor in return taxi or rail fares for review appointments (often two or three visits at £20–£40 each) and accommodation if you live far from a major city clinic.


Complication management and reversal costs


Hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved with hyaluronidase, but the enzyme itself plus the injector’s time costs £150–£250. Treating lumps or vascular issues may require steroid injections (£80–£120) or ultrasound guidance at specialist centres, which can add another £150. Surgical complications can mean theatre fees all over again, so always ask what the clinic’s revision policy covers—and for how long.


Finance, Insurance and Ways to Make Treatment More Affordable


The final quote on your invoice is rarely the sum you hand over in one go. Most reputable UK clinics now break the lip augmentation cost into bite-sized monthly payments, and a few money-savvy moves can trim the bill without sacrificing safety. Below are four proven tactics.


0% finance plans and pay-monthly options


Many medical aesthetic lenders spread fees over 6–24 months at 0 % APR. A £320 filler session, for instance, can drop to £26–£54 per month depending on term length. Wigmore Smiles & Aesthetics offers interest-free plans arranged in-house, so your credit search stays soft and admin fees are nil. Always confirm the exact repayment schedule and whether a deposit is required.


Saving vs cheap deals: avoiding unsafe bargains


Discount hunters often stumble on social-media “filler parties” or Groupon-style flash sales. Red flags include:


  • No GMC/NMC/GDC number displayed

  • Unknown filler brands without CE marking

  • Payment in cash only However tempting the headline price, correction work later can quadruple the original spend. If the deal looks too good, request proof of product batch numbers and indemnity insurance before parting with money.


Does private medical insurance ever cover lips?


Private insurers class lip augmentation as cosmetic, so they won’t pay. The rare exception is reconstructive work after trauma, cleft repair or tumour removal. You’ll need:


  1. GP referral

  2. Consultant report

  3. Pre-authorisation code Even then, only the medically necessary portion — not any aesthetic refinement — is covered.


Seasonal promotions and loyalty schemes


Clinics frequently run Black Friday bundles, birthday-month discounts or multi-syringe loyalty points worth 5–10 % off future treatments. Check:


  • Expiry dates

  • Whether follow-up visits stay full price

  • Minimum spend thresholds Stacking a modest promo with 0 % finance often shaves £50–£100 off the first year’s outlay without cutting clinical corners.


How to Choose a UK Provider Without Overpaying


A fair lip augmentation cost is one that buys proven skill, proper regulation and no nasty invoice surprises. Use the steps below to vet clinics quickly and make sure every pound you spend shows up in safer care or better results—not glossy waiting-room decor.


Checking qualifications and CQC registration


  • Look up the practitioner’s GMC, GDC or NMC number online; anything less is a deal-breaker.

  • Verify the clinic’s Care Quality Commission (CQC) status; a “Good” or “Outstanding” rating signals audited infection control and emergency protocols.

  • Ask who prescribes reversal enzyme—only doctors, dentists and nurse prescribers can legally obtain hyaluronidase.


Reading price lists: what should be included


A transparent quote should bundle:


  • Product brand and exact volume (e.g. 1 ml Juvéderm Volift)

  • Anaesthetic or nerve block fee

  • Follow-up visit within 2 weeks

  • Emergency contact line, VAT and any finance admin charges If a line item is missing, budget for it anyway.


Consultation questions to pin down total cost


  1. Is my initial consult fee deductible?

  2. What happens if I need dissolving—cost and timeframe?

  3. Are aftercare products included?

  4. How many review visits are free?

  5. Which filler lot number will be used?

  6. Do you carry full cosmetic indemnity insurance?

  7. Will the same clinician handle revisions?

  8. Can I see unedited before-and-after photos of similar cases?


Case study cost breakdown: Wigmore Smiles & Aesthetics vs high-street chain


Item

Wigmore Smiles & Aesthetics

Typical High-Street Chain

Consultation

£0 (refunded on booking)

£30 non-refundable

1 ml premium filler

£320 incl. aftercare

£280 + £40 kit

Finance option

0 % over 12 mths

14.9 % APR

CQC rating

Good

Not registered


Result: Wigmore’s headline fee is £40 higher, yet interest savings and included aftercare make it ~£70 cheaper over 12 months—proof that line-by-line scrutiny beats chasing the lowest sticker price.


FAQs About Lip Augmentation Pricing in the UK


Still puzzling over the small print? The quick answers below cover the five cost-related questions clinics hear every day, so you can benchmark quotes in seconds and avoid bill shock later on.


How much is 0.5 ml lip filler?


Most reputable UK clinics charge £150–£300 for half a syringe, depending on brand and injector experience. Introductory offers under £120 often cut corners on product quality or aftercare, so double-check credentials before booking.


Is 1 ml enough for a noticeable difference?


For first-timers with average-sized lips, 1 ml is usually the sweet spot, providing a visible yet natural boost. Very thin or asymmetrical lips may need a staged approach—an extra 0.5 ml four weeks later—to avoid overstretching tissue in one sitting.


How long does a £300 filler last?


At the £300 mark you’re typically paying for a premium hyaluronic acid gel that lasts 6–12 months. Lifestyle factors such as fast metabolism, smoking or heavy cardio can shorten longevity to four months, so plan your maintenance budget accordingly.


Is it cheaper to dissolve and redo or top-up?


Topping up (around £150–£250) is almost always cheaper than dissolving (£150–£250 for hyaluronidase) and starting fresh (another £250–£500). Reserve dissolution for migrations, lumps or dramatic style changes rather than routine maintenance.


Can I get a refund if I don’t like the result?


Cosmetic procedures fall under service—not product—law, so refunds are rare unless negligence is proven. Most ethical clinics offer a free refinement visit or partial credit instead; make sure this policy is written into your treatment consent before you pay.


Making Your Decision


In short, expect to pay between £150 and £500 for temporary filler, or £2,000–£5,700 for permanent surgical options. Your final quote rises or falls with product brand, clinician expertise, clinic location, after-care and the anatomy you bring to the chair. Once you’ve added finance charges, travel, downtime and possible revisions, the cheapest sticker price often stops looking cheapest at all.


Safety, longevity and transparent after-care routinely trump saving a quick fifty quid. Take your time, compare like-for-like quotes using the checklists above, and don’t sign anything until every cost is in writing.


If you’d value an honest, itemised treatment plan—or just want to talk through your goals—book a complimentary consultation with Wigmore Smiles & Aesthetics and start budgeting with real numbers.

 
 
 

Comments


bottom of page