If you’ve been thinking about getting lip fillers, chances are you’ve noticed the price can vary a lot from clinic to clinic. Some charge just under £200, while others quote £350 or more for the same amount of filler. That kind of price difference raises a very fair question: does paying more actually get you better results?

It’s tempting to think that a higher price always means higher quality. Maybe the product is more advanced, the practitioner more skilled, or the results longer-lasting. But like many things in aesthetics, it’s not quite that straightforward. There are a lot of factors that affect both the price and the outcome and they don’t always line up perfectly.

Are expensive fillers better than cheap ones?

Often, yes but not always for the reasons you’d expect. Some of the more well-known brands like Juvederm and Restylane have spent years and millions in research, and testing their formulas. That investment usually shows in the quality of the product. These fillers tend to integrate more naturally into the tissue, feel smoother under the skin, and last longer with fewer issues. In other words, they’re made to perform better and that does come at a cost.

There’s also something else worth noting. Reputable brands in the UK go through proper safety checks, often getting CE-certified or approved for use under medical regulation. That means what’s in the syringe is consistent, safe, and predictable. Cheaper, unregulated fillers especially those bought online or from less reliable sources might not be any of those things.

A few horror stories out there make this painfully clear. People have ended up with hard lumps, swelling that won’t go down, or even serious complications like infections or vascular occlusion all from low-quality or counterfeit products. And the worst part? Fixing a botched job usually costs more than doing it right the first time.

That said, paying more doesn’t guarantee the filler used is premium. Always ask your provider what brand they use, whether it’s opened in front of you, and if it’s licensed for use in the UK. A good clinic will have no problem sharing that with you.

Is it the filler or the person injecting it that matters more?

The product is important, but who’s doing the injecting matters even more. Even the best filler won’t give great results if it’s placed poorly, used in the wrong amount, or injected without understanding your face and anatomy. That’s why the experience and skill of your practitioner often make the biggest difference and yes, that’s usually reflected in the price too.

Practitioners with more training, medical qualifications, or aesthetic experience tend to charge more because they’ve invested time and money into learning how to do things properly. They’re also more likely to turn away unsuitable cases, correct issues without panic, and guide you toward natural results that actually suit your face.

Cheaper options often skip that kind of care. Some aren’t medically trained. Some may not even be insured. The scary truth is, in the UK, it’s still legal for non-medics to inject filler. That’s slowly changing, but for now, it’s up to you to be cautious about who you trust with your face.

So what are you really paying for?

Part of it goes toward the filler itself and as mentioned, not all fillers are equal. But you’re also paying for the injector’s skill, the safety of the environment, the hygiene protocols, the aftercare, the insurance, the clinic’s running costs, and even the quality of the consultation.

Some clinics also bundle in extras free consultations, follow-up appointments, aftercare kits — which might make the higher price better value in the long run.

One client I spoke to told me she paid £350 for her treatment because she felt reassured by the full consultation and clear aftercare process. In her words, “I just didn’t want to be treated like a number. I wanted someone who’d actually look at my face and talk to me before putting a needle in it.”

That peace of mind is worth something.

Are cheaper treatments always risky?

Some clinics offer lower prices because they buy filler in bulk, keep overheads down, or are based in more affordable areas. That doesn’t automatically make them unsafe. In fact, there are plenty of mid-range providers who deliver good results and use top-tier products.

The real red flags aren’t the price alone, they’re things like unclear branding, vague practitioner qualifications, lack of aftercare, no consultation, or reluctance to show proof of insurance or licensing. If it feels rushed, unprofessional, or secretive, trust your gut. Saving £100 today isn’t worth risking your face.

So, does paying more guarantee better results?

The honest answer? Not guaranteed but it definitely increases your chances.

When you pay more, you’re usually getting better product, better training, safer standards, and more reliable outcomes. But it’s not a universal rule. A higher fee doesn’t excuse poor results, just like a lower price doesn’t always mean danger.

Your job as a client is to ask questions, do your homework, and make a decision based on more than just the cost. Look at before and after photos. Check reviews. Ask what brand they use and who’s doing the injecting. Find someone you feel comfortable with and who treats your face like it matters. Because it does.

And if the clinic can’t answer your questions clearly? Walk away. There’s no shortage of practitioners who can and who will take the time to do it right.

Choosing lip fillers is about more about being treated with care, using trusted products, and feeling confident in your outcome. At VIVA Skin Clinics, you don’t have to compromise on quality to get great value. We offer 1 ml of premium HA lip filler from just £175, with a full consultation included meaning you can easily explore your options without upfront commitment. Despite the affordable pricing, VIVA uses CE/FDA-approved fillers like Juvederm VYCROSS, Revolax, and Teosyl. Treatments are carried out by experienced, medically qualified injectors such as Dr Rupert and Nurse Vikki, within clean, regulated clinics in Chelsea, Fitzrovia, and Tunbridge Wells.