Working at a plastic surgeons office, you see so many people come in for many different things. Having the opportunity to get lip filler was definitely an experience for me!
I know there are plenty of you out there that do not agree with plastic surgery or any type of injectables... and that is a very touchy subject for me, always has been. You may think that if someone is born with their body the way it is, there is no need to change it... some think that people do it for "attention" or that they want to change everything about themselves and "do too much", but I have always said IT'S YOUR BODY DO WHAT YOU WANT WITH IT!!! If you aren't happy with something on yourself and you have the opportunity to change it, I'm here for it.
But after working at the office, I have seen so many people's stories show that it's not just about changing your body, sometimes it's something so little that can change their entire life. I have cried at plenty of stories that have been told and shown to me during their process and it is so empowering. Sure, you may not think by me getting my lips injected to look fuller is an "emotional story", and you're right, but it has brought me closer to so many people by sharing my own story.
Many of you have asked me how my experience was, and I will always recommend trying it if you are at all interested. There are plenty of different types of fillers, brands that do different things for your lips. I was given Restylane Defyne for my employee treatment. But the process is what I want to explain, that a lot of you may be interested in:
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You will numb for at least 20 minutes, I think I numbed for closer to 30 just because I was super nervous for it being my first time. Thankfully, my boss who injected me was so supportive and my lovely coworker held my clammy nervous hands. Though you have been numbing, you still feel the pinch of the needle going into your lips... and the filler going inside. It was a very new and different sensation. I will say some parts were more sensitive than others because of the nerves in your lips.
The next few days, your lips may swell or bruise... that is very common. Mine, on the other hand, didn't do either but plenty of patients have this type of reaction. About a week later, they will settle more into what they will continue to look like. You will need to go for a follow up so your doctor can decide if everything is even and how it should be. Having "pouches" is very common as well, and the doctor can massage them out... this is just filler that has settled into thinner parts of your lip. I have one "pouch" on the top right side that I didn't get massaged out in time, it does not hurt, it does not bother me, it will settle over time. Nothing to be scared of.
The first time, your filler will typically last up to 10 months, the second time should last closer to a year and a half. It all depends on how frequently you want touch ups. I did not use a full syringe the first time and will use it for a touch up in a few months, but some people may not want them to fully settle and made touch-up appointments when they see them settling more.
This is definitely something I will continue to get, 10/10 recommend, and yes, though it is pricey, it is a luxury that you do not want to cut corners for.
If you need recommendations or have any questions, feel free to message me on any of my social media platforms!
MJ