I Got Lip Fillers For The First Time. Here's What You Need To Know
This post and series is sponsored by Dr. Tanya Judge MD. As always, all experiences and opinions are my own.
Pucker up! Full, supple lips are all the craze these days. We all want to look our best, so it makes sense that many people are turning to cosmetic lip filler procedures to achieve an ideal appearance. Lip augmentations are relatively simple procedures performed by cosmetic surgeons and Med Spas. However, it would be best if you still did your research to know what to expect and how lip filler can amplify your natural beauty and see a doctor who specializes in this.
Last week I shared with you my Botox experience with Dr. Tanya Judge. When I went in for my visit, it was for Botox and Lip Fillers. To be totally honest, I was beyond terrified about the injections on my lips… I mean, who likes needles? Especially more so knowing that it’s actually a painful procedure. Not with Dr. Judge!
I wasn't entirely sure what would happen during the appointment or what I was walking into, as Dr. Judge offers everything from introductory consultations to a wide variety of injectables and cosmetic surgery.
Fast forward roughly one week later, and about an hour and a half later, and I was walking back to my car (practically on cloud nine) with an ice pack pressed to my lips and an ever-so-slightly puffier pout (thanks to a dose of subtle lip fillers). Whether you're wondering how long lip fillers last, you're curious to see a lip injection before and after, or want to know what to expect if you ever have an intended date with lip injections, I've got you covered.
So let’s break it down…
WHAT IS A LIP AUGMENTATION?
Lip augmentation, also known as lip filler or lip injection, is a cosmetic procedure designed to give you plump, full lips. It is also an option for people who want to turn back the clock a bit to restore youthful skin. A trained doctor or nurse will inject an FDA-approved dermal filler into your lips to help you achieve the look you desire. There are several things you should know before having a lip augmentation.
Before
One Week After
10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOUR LIP INJECTIONS
1. RESEARCH THE CLINIC AND DOCTOR
Do your homework before scheduling your lip augmentation. Qualified doctors and registered nurses should be able to answer any questions you have. An inexperienced doctor or nurse could leave you with uneven or unattractive results. Doctors like Dr. Tanya Jodge that are fully-qualified and highly experienced is the way to go. Dr. Judge, for example, is experienced and so much so that she’s developed a virtually painless method to my lip fillers. On top of that, she will only advise on a procedure that is aesthetically pleasing that why you aren’t looking “overdone.” You can read more about the procedure here.
2. HAVE A CLEAR VISION OF WHAT YOU WANT
Be specific in what you want. Do you want both the top and bottom lip filled? Do you want a more natural look or a dramatic, "juicy" effect? Bring in inspiration photos to show your doctor and discuss how you can achieve your vision. I do recommend scheduling a consultation that way you are fully informed and can assess whether or not this is for you.
3. GO SLOW. LESS IS OFTEN MORE WITH LIP FILLER, ESPECIALLY YOUR FIRST TIME!
Less is often more with lip fillers, especially your first time! Experienced injectors can advise you on the optimal amount of filler and the number of sessions needed. A more natural appearance is achieved with multiple sessions rather than a one-time fill.
4. BE PREPARED
Know what to avoid before the appointment. Medication that thins blood can cause a lot of bruising after an injection, so you should avoid pain relievers, fish oil, vitamin E, and multivitamins for a full week before your appointment. To discourage swelling, also avoid alcohol and caffeine 24 hours before and after the injection. Find more pre-treatment advice on our website.
5. RESEARCH AND CHOOSE THE RIGHT KIND OF LIP FILLER FOR YOUR NEEDS
There are several FDA-approved lip fillers on the market, and each one has its unique advantages. Some last longer than others, so be sure to discuss your doctor's options to choose the best one for you.
A key ingredient in Juvederm is Hyaluronic acid. It’s a naturally occurring polysaccharide found in the human body. It acts as a cushioning and lubrication agent for our joints, nerves, hair, skin, and eyes. When used in skincare, it acts as a moisture binder, which means that it will attach itself to the water in the cells, while also attracting and holding water from the air, making them plump.
6. BE AWARE OF THE RISKS
Sure, lip filler treatments sound easy and simple. Most of the time, they are. However, any time you are injecting something into your body, there is a risk of infection or allergic reaction. Be sure to announce all known allergies before your procedure. If you are prone to cold sores, it is wise to take your cold sore medications three days before your appointment.
7. KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT
The procedure is very fast, usually 20-30 minutes. Results are almost immediate, but you should expect some bruising and swelling for a couple of days. Give yourself plenty of time before a special event or photo session. For me personally, I had bruising for about a week, but it wasn’t anything that Maroon or Red lipstick couldn’t cover-up. Luckily, at the time of writing this, Facemasks were my lifesaver for using the bruises (thanks Pandemic 2020!) I should also note that. After about two weeks my lips were fully back to normal (in terms of the swelling going down and the bruising gone) but plumper!
Was it painless? Virtually no! Dr. Judge uses a special technique where she numbs your lips, just like when you go to the dentist, waits for it to be fully numb, and then begins the lip injections. It made for a very pleasant and painless experience!
8. DON'T RUB OR MASSAGE YOUR LIPS
Resist the urge to poke and massage your lips after the procedure. Keep hands-off as much as possible for a few days to make sure the filler stays even.
9. WEIGH THE COSTS CAREFULLY
Be wary of clinics offering very inexpensive injections. Lip fillers should not be cheap. If a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is. High-quality products will cost more, but the results will be worth it. The type of filler chosen depends entirely on what your goal is for the treatment, whether it be to balance out the shape of your lips or add fullness or structure. The cost for lip injections ranges depending on where you go and the injector. Again, this is something that you can find out during your consult because everyone is different and has different goals.
10. LIP FILLERS AREN’T JUST FOR PLUMPING YOUR POUT
Lip Fillers also have a number of other benefits:
Evens out asymmetrical lip shapes
Adds natural fullness to desired areas
Reduces the appearance of fine lines on the lips and surrounding mouth area
Is customizable based on needs and desires
All in all, I am 100% happy with my decision in getting lip injections, even if it was a quick decision acting on a longtime daydream. And really, the change is so subtle that not many would even notice. The important thing is that I notice, and I've felt all the more confident for it. Will I continue to get lip fillers? Most likely, especially now that I've found someone I can trust and learned the process isn't scary. If you are interested in lip filler injections or lip augmentation surgery, schedule a consultation with Dr. Judge in San Francisco call (415) 409-9760 to get started.
And if you plan of getting lip fillers and aren’t in the San Francisco Bay Area, find someone who you can trust! I wouldn't bat an eyelash at a future touch-up.
