A lip filler consultation at Core Aesthetics in Oakleigh is a structured clinical conversation about your lip anatomy, facial structure and personal goals. It is not a sales process. The practitioner examines your natural lip shape, evaluates how your lips relate to your surrounding facial features, discusses what is and is not achievable with treatment, and explains what the procedure involves. Treatment only proceeds when there is a clear clinical rationale and you feel fully informed.
Why Consultation Matters More Than the Treatment
In lip filler treatment, the decision about whether to proceed, and if so, what approach to take, is far more consequential than the injection technique itself. A skilled practitioner who begins with a thorough assessment will almost always produce a more appropriate outcome than one who moves quickly to treatment without understanding the individual in front of them.
The consultation is where the practitioner gathers the information needed to make a sound clinical judgement. This includes examining your natural lip anatomy, understanding how your lips relate to your midface and chin, assessing the quality and condition of your lip tissue, and listening carefully to what you are hoping to achieve. It is also where concerns are raised honestly, if treatment is unlikely to produce what you are hoping for, or if there are reasons to defer, the consultation is when that conversation happens.
Patients who arrive expecting a quick appointment and leave with an injection often end up with results that do not reflect their goals, or results that looked different from what they imagined. Patients who arrive expecting a thorough conversation, and who receive one, tend to feel more confident in the process, more realistic about outcomes and more satisfied with their results over time. The consultation sets the tone for everything that follows.
What Happens During a Lip Filler Consultation
The consultation begins with a conversation about what has brought you in. Are you exploring lip filler for the first time? Have you had treatment elsewhere and want a different approach? Are you concerned about specific features of your lips, their shape, their volume, their symmetry? Understanding your starting point helps the practitioner frame everything that follows.
After that conversation, the practitioner examines your lips and surrounding facial anatomy in detail. This involves looking at your lips at rest and while speaking, assessing the ratio of upper lip to lower lip, examining the cupid’s bow and philtrum architecture, and considering how your lips sit in relation to your nose, chin and midface. This broader view matters because lips do not exist in isolation, what looks proportionate on one face may look exaggerated on another with different proportions.
The practitioner then explains what they are seeing, what they think treatment could reasonably address, what it is unlikely to change, and what the procedure would involve. You have the opportunity to ask questions, raise concerns and clarify anything you are unsure about. At the end of a consultation, you should leave with a clear picture of whether treatment is appropriate for you, what it would involve if you proceeded, and what realistic expectations look like.
Lip Anatomy: What the Practitioner Is Assessing
Lip anatomy varies considerably between individuals, and that variation significantly influences both the approach to treatment and the likely outcome. The consultation involves a structured clinical assessment that considers several interconnected features.
The ratio of upper to lower lip is one of the first things assessed. A commonly cited ideal is an upper-to-lower ratio of approximately 1:1.6, though this is a guide rather than a rule, what matters is what looks balanced for a particular face. Many people seeking lip filler have naturally thinner upper lips relative to their lower lip, and adding volume to the upper lip is often a reasonable clinical goal. However, the degree and placement of that volume depends on the specific anatomy present, not a generalised formula.
The cupid’s bow, the double curve at the upper lip border, is examined for its definition and symmetry. The philtrum columns, which run from the base of the nose to the upper lip peaks, influence how the upper lip is framed and how treatment will appear in this area. The vermilion border (the lip line) is assessed for definition, particularly in patients whose lip definition has softened over time. The body of the lips, the body of tissue between the border and the inner mucosa, is assessed for volume, shape and how it will respond to treatment. All of these features are considered together, not in isolation.
The Role of Facial Proportion in Lip Treatment
Lips that look natural on one person can look exaggerated on another because proportion is relative. Lip filler that is assessed without reference to the rest of the face consistently produces results that feel off, even when the lips themselves appear technically well done in isolation.
During the consultation, your lips are considered in the context of your full facial proportions. This includes the height of your midface, the projection of your nose, the length and shape of your chin, and the width of your face relative to your lip width. A practitioner assessing all of these factors is in a position to recommend an approach that complements your natural structure rather than working against it.
For example, a patient with a strong chin and well-defined midface may suit a different degree of lip volume than a patient with a softer chin and less midface projection. A patient with a wide face may look proportionate with fuller lips, while the same volume on a narrower face might appear disproportionate. These are clinical judgements that require seeing the patient in person, not applying a standard formula. They are also judgements that can only be made well after careful observation, which is why the consultation exists.
Discussing Volume: How Much Is Appropriate
One of the most common conversations in a lip filler consultation is about volume, specifically, what is and is not appropriate for a particular patient at a particular point in time. This is also one of the areas where expectations most frequently need to be managed carefully.
The practitioner’s role is not to tell you what you want but to give you an honest assessment of what treatment is likely to achieve. If your anatomy, facial structure and existing lip volume suggest that a conservative approach is clinically appropriate, the practitioner will explain why, not as a restriction, but as a clinical recommendation in your interest. Gradual, incremental treatment often produces better long-term results than attempting to achieve a significant change in a single appointment.
The consultation is also where the practitioner explains what volume means in practice. How much product is used is less important than where it is placed and how it is distributed. A well-placed small amount of product can create a meaningful, natural-looking change. An excessive amount placed without anatomical consideration can create an unnatural appearance even if the patient initially wanted more volume. Understanding this distinction is part of what the consultation is designed to communicate.
Lip Shape and What Treatment Can Influence
Patients often come to a lip filler consultation with a particular idea of the shape they would like, more defined cupid’s bow, fuller centre, more even upper and lower lip, better-defined lip line. The consultation explores each of these goals against the individual’s anatomy to assess what is achievable and what approach would best serve it.
Some shape goals are straightforward to work towards with treatment. Enhancing the definition of the cupid’s bow, adding volume to the body of the upper lip, or improving the balance between upper and lower lip are all things that treatment can address with appropriate technique and product placement. Other goals may be more complex, correcting significant structural asymmetry, for example, or addressing changes caused by significant volume loss, may require more careful planning and realistic expectation-setting.
There are also goals that dermal filler is simply not well-suited to achieve. Lip filler does not change the underlying structure of the lip permanently. It does not address skin quality or lines caused by movement above the lip (perioral lines). It does not alter the relationship between the lips and the nose or chin. Being honest about what treatment can and cannot do is a core part of the consultation process, and patients who understand this clearly are better positioned to decide whether treatment is right for them.
Suitability Assessment: Who Lip Filler Is and Is Not Appropriate For
Not everyone who presents for a lip filler consultation is an appropriate candidate for treatment at that time. The consultation includes a clinical suitability assessment, a structured review of factors that influence whether treatment is safe, appropriate and likely to produce a satisfactory outcome.
Patients who are generally well, over 18, not pregnant or breastfeeding, with no active infection in the treatment area and no relevant history of significant adverse reactions are typically suitable candidates. The presence of pre-existing filler from a different provider requires discussion, the practitioner needs to understand what product was used, how long ago, and whether any concerns arose, before recommending further treatment.
There are also factors that may indicate treatment should be deferred. Patients who are managing ongoing health issues, who are taking medications that significantly affect clotting, or who have certain autoimmune conditions may require clearance from their treating physician before proceeding. Patients with unrealistic expectations, for example, those expecting a transformative change from a conservative amount of product, may benefit from further discussion before any treatment is considered. The suitability assessment is not designed to exclude patients unnecessarily but to ensure that treatment is offered only when it is appropriate to do so.
AHPRA Requirements and the Consultation-First Approach
Under AHPRA’s September 2025 guidelines for registered health practitioners who perform nonsurgical cosmetic procedures, a formal consultation is not optional, it is a regulatory requirement before any treatment can take place. This requirement exists because nonsurgical cosmetic procedures, including dermal filler treatments, carry clinical risks that can only be appropriately managed when the practitioner has a thorough understanding of the patient in front of them.
The consultation requirement reflects a broader shift in how nonsurgical cosmetic procedures are regulated in Australia. Treatment provided without a proper prior consultation, regardless of how experienced the practitioner or how straightforward the request, does not meet the standard of care that patients are entitled to expect from a registered health practitioner.
At Core Aesthetics, the consultation-first model has always been central to how the clinic operates. Corey Anderson, Registered Nurse, conducts all consultations personally and does not delegate the assessment process. Every patient who attends for treatment has had an opportunity to discuss their goals, ask questions, raise concerns and provide informed consent before any product is introduced. This approach is not just a regulatory compliance measure, it is how appropriate, considered treatment decisions are made.
What to Expect During and After Treatment
If treatment proceeds following the consultation, the procedure itself typically takes 20 to 45 minutes. A topical anaesthetic is applied to the treatment area before the procedure and allowed to take effect, which significantly reduces discomfort. The product is then introduced using either a fine needle or a blunt-tipped cannula, depending on the area being treated and the practitioner’s preferred technique for that patient. Most patients tolerate the procedure comfortably.
Immediately after treatment, some degree of swelling and tenderness in the treatment area is normal. The lips swell more noticeably than most other treatment areas because they are highly vascular and have a concentrated nerve supply. This swelling is temporary, it typically peaks in the first 24 to 48 hours and resolves over the following week to ten days. Bruising is possible, particularly at injection points, and is also temporary. The final result is not fully visible until all swelling and bruising has resolved.
A review appointment is recommended approximately two to four weeks after the procedure. This gives the practitioner the opportunity to assess the outcome once the product has settled and any initial swelling has resolved, and to discuss whether the result meets your goals or whether any refinement would be appropriate. This review is an important part of the treatment process, not an afterthought.
Aftercare Following Lip Filler Treatment
Good aftercare in the days following treatment supports recovery and helps the product settle well. The practitioner provides specific aftercare instructions at the appointment, and following these consistently contributes to a comfortable recovery and a good result.
In the first 24 to 48 hours after treatment, avoiding significant heat (including saunas, steam rooms and vigorous exercise) is recommended, as heat can increase swelling. Avoiding pressing, manipulating or applying significant pressure to the treated area is also important while the product is settling into position. Strenuous physical activity is generally best avoided for the first day or two.
Sleeping on your back rather than face-down during the first few nights can help minimise pressure on the treated area. Mild discomfort and sensitivity is normal and generally manageable without prescription medication. If you have concerns about your recovery, for example, significant pain, skin colour changes or firmness that does not feel normal, you should contact the clinic promptly. Keeping the review appointment ensures any concerns can be assessed by the practitioner in person.
Duration and Long-Term Planning
How long lip filler lasts varies between individuals and depends on the product used, the volume placed, the individual’s metabolism and how active the treatment area is. Lips are a highly mobile area, speaking, eating and expressing emotion all work the product over time. As a result, lip filler typically metabolises more quickly than product placed in less mobile areas of the face.
For many patients, results in the lip area last somewhere between six and twelve months before a top-up is considered. Some patients find their results persist for longer; others find they metabolise product more quickly. The review appointment gives the practitioner the opportunity to discuss your experience and help you understand what to expect for your next treatment cycle.
A long-term approach to lip treatment, one where the practitioner and patient have a shared understanding of goals, maintain a consistent aesthetic direction and make incremental adjustments over time, tends to produce better and more natural-looking results than an approach focused on achieving maximum volume in a single appointment. The consultation is the beginning of that longer conversation, not a one-time transaction.
About Corey Anderson and Core Aesthetics
Core Aesthetics is an injectable-specialist clinic located in Oakleigh, in Melbourne’s south-east. All consultations and treatments are performed by Corey Anderson, Registered Nurse (AHPRA NMW0001047575, registered January 1996), who has over two decades of nursing experience. Core Aesthetics operates on a single-practitioner, low-volume model, patient numbers are deliberately kept small to allow thorough consultations and considered, unhurried treatment.
The clinic does not offer packages, promotional pricing or time-limited incentives. Pricing is discussed openly at the consultation, and treatment is recommended only when there is a clear clinical rationale. The C.O.R.E. Method, Consult, Organise, Refine, Evaluate, reflects the structured approach Corey takes to every patient relationship: beginning with a thorough assessment, planning treatment incrementally, and reviewing results before proceeding further.
All content published by Core Aesthetics is written and reviewed by Corey Anderson and is designed to provide accurate, compliance-reviewed information about what treatment involves, what it can and cannot achieve, and how patients can make informed decisions. Treatment decisions are made collaboratively, with informed consent as a prerequisite for any procedure.
How to Get Started
Booking a consultation at Core Aesthetics begins online. The booking process takes a few minutes, you select your preferred appointment time, and the clinic will confirm your booking. There is no obligation to proceed with treatment following the consultation, and the consultation is an opportunity to ask questions, raise concerns and make an informed decision about whether treatment is right for you.
The clinic is located at 12A Atherton Road, Oakleigh VIC 3166. It is accessible from across Melbourne’s south-east, including from Carnegie, Murrumbeena, Bentleigh, Clayton, Mount Waverley and surrounding suburbs. If you are travelling from further afield or have questions about whether the clinic is suitable for your needs before booking, you are welcome to contact the clinic by email at support@coreaesthetics.com.au.
A lip filler consultation is the appropriate starting point whether you are exploring treatment for the first time, returning after a gap, or seeking a second opinion following treatment elsewhere. The consultation is confidential, unhurried and focused on giving you the information you need to make a decision that is right for you.
Is this for you?
Consider booking a consultation if
- Adults aged 18 and over who want to explore lip enhancement through a thorough, assessment-first approach
- Patients seeking their first lip filler treatment who want a clear explanation of what the procedure involves and what to expect
- Patients who have had lip filler elsewhere and want a second opinion or a different clinical approach
- Those who want a conservative, proportionate result that complements their natural lip anatomy and facial structure
- Patients willing to attend a review appointment following treatment to assess the outcome and discuss next steps
This may not be for you if
- Anyone under 18 years of age
- Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Anyone with an active infection, cold sore or open wound in or around the treatment area
- Patients with certain autoimmune conditions or those taking medications that significantly affect clotting, medical clearance may be required before treatment can be considered
- Anyone seeking same-day treatment without a prior consultation, a formal consultation is required before any treatment proceeds
Suitability is confirmed at consultation. This list is general guidance, not a substitute for clinical assessment.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to have a consultation before getting lip filler?
Yes. Under AHPRA’s September 2025 guidelines for registered health practitioners who perform nonsurgical cosmetic procedures, a formal consultation is a regulatory requirement before any treatment. At Core Aesthetics, the consultation is also a genuine clinical process, the practitioner assesses your anatomy, discusses your goals and provides information about what treatment involves before any decision is made.
What should I bring to a lip filler consultation?
There is no strict list of things to bring. If you have had previous lip filler treatment at another clinic, it is helpful to know approximately when you last had treatment and what product was used, if possible. If you have specific reference images or examples of a result you find appealing, you can bring those along, they help the practitioner understand the aesthetic direction you are interested in, even if a different approach is ultimately recommended based on your anatomy.
Will the practitioner tell me how much product I need at the consultation?
The practitioner will discuss their clinical recommendation based on your anatomy and goals. This includes an indication of the approach they would suggest and why. The volume used is a clinical decision that depends on your individual anatomy, not a fixed amount applied uniformly. The consultation is the appropriate time to have this conversation so that you understand the rationale and can ask questions before treatment begins.
What if the practitioner recommends less treatment than I was hoping for?
The practitioner’s recommendations are based on what they assess is clinically appropriate for your anatomy and goals, not on a commercial interest in selling a particular volume of product. If they recommend a conservative approach, they will explain why. You are welcome to ask questions and discuss your goals further. A gradual approach often produces better long-term results than attempting a significant change in a single appointment, and the consultation is the appropriate place to explore this together.
How long does the swelling last after lip filler?
Lips tend to swell more noticeably than other treatment areas because they are highly vascular. Swelling typically peaks in the first 24 to 48 hours and then gradually resolves over the following week to ten days. The final result, once swelling and any bruising have fully resolved, is visible at around the two-week mark. This is also why the review appointment is scheduled at approximately two to four weeks after treatment.
Can lip filler look natural?
Lip filler can produce natural-looking results when the treatment is based on a thorough clinical assessment, the volume and placement are appropriate for the individual’s anatomy, and the approach is gradual and considered. Results that look exaggerated or artificial are most commonly associated with volume that exceeds what the anatomy supports, or placement that has not accounted for the individual’s proportions. The consultation process is specifically designed to reduce this risk by grounding the treatment decision in a careful assessment of the patient in front of the practitioner.
How long does lip filler last?
Lip filler generally lasts between six and twelve months, though this varies between individuals. The lip area is highly mobile, which means product typically metabolises more quickly here than in less active areas of the face. Individual factors including metabolism, the volume placed and the product used all influence duration. The review appointment gives the practitioner the opportunity to discuss your experience and help you plan your next treatment cycle.
Is Core Aesthetics suitable if I’ve had lip filler elsewhere before?
Yes. Patients who have had treatment at other clinics are welcome to book a consultation. The practitioner will ask about your previous treatment history, including approximately when you last had treatment and whether you had any concerns, before making any clinical recommendations. If you have existing product in the lip area, this will be factored into the assessment and the discussion about what approach would be appropriate going forward.