Honestly, I want to continue to start conversations around things that are kept “secret…” The truth is with social media so many people, influencers && even celebrities are getting things done all the time but want us to think they have superhuman aging powers.

Which by the way, keeping people guessing is totally FINE- like do what works for you.

However, for my blog, I want to continue to discuss taboo topics & approach them in a nonjudgemental way. Every, Every, EVERY single person deserves to feel their best so do what works for you. Here are my two cents: go to an artist whose work you like && don’t use a Groupon (I have personally heard a horror story about Groupon so I’m like, why? Don’t get me wrong, I love me some Groupon just not in my face.) Go slow, do your own research, && for the love of God, do not let anyone tell you what/what not to do with YOUR body (as for my lips specifically, I just wanted a little more fullness with the ‘M’ of the lip lifted- no duck lip). Be specific in saying what you want! I refuse to get filler by the outer corners of my lips because I don’t like that look.

For me, my lips were flat, like turning in && they weren’t plump either. So I wanted a little OOMPH- you know a little filler. It hurts a little, not too bad. I would most definitely recommend going to someone who numbs the area. Make sure they numb around the lip too. You are going to feel the first couple of sticks, numbing or not.

The good news: Filler has lidocaine in it so after the first couple of sticks you’re golden… Well, I’m golden but my pain tolerance is high so I can only speak for myself.

side note: You will do this on your first session && your first session only. If you think they are swollen when you leave the office wait until you wake up the next morning && look in the mirror- Your reaction: WHAT have I just done && how can I return them?… By day 5, when they settle (&& they will settle) you’ll really want SOME, not all, of that swelling back.

The Aftermath

Bruising is totally normal && they will be sore for the first 3-4 days.

True story: after my first lip filler experience I hopped on a plane to go see my BFF in Mississippi the next day. 2009? This was way before the ‘Kylie Jenner’ popular lip craze, girl was 12 then! Lips were just up && coming. I was seated next to a lady who was old enough to be my grandmother, bruises all around my mouth, my first time being on a plane (was a horrible fear of mine that I have since overcome) && bawling my eyes out because my anxiety was in overload. That sweet lady reaches over; grabs my hand && says, “I don’t know what you have been through, but I will keep you in my prayers && whoever did this to you.” I was so confused like… was she reading into my past? My anxiety was so high I had totally forgotten about my lips until she said arnica gel would help with the bruising && it clicked. I looked her dead in the face and said, “No, no… I just got lip filler yesterday but please still keep me in your prayers.” That sweet lady thought someone had just beat me up… She didn’t speak to me the rest of the flight :/

Positive takeaway: She was correct! Arnica cream DOES help with bruising! You can also purchase arnica pills that can be taken the day before && the day of…

Since my first lip injection, I get it between 8-12 months. Sometimes I will only do 1/2 syringe && sometimes I do a full. Keep in mind I have been maintaining my lips for 12 years so during that period I only feel like 1/2 syringe is needed. In my OPINION, If you go in there and just get 1/2 syringe your first time you are going to want to go right back in 2 weeks.

I need you to refer to my comparo pic. The top picture is in 2008- pre-botox, filler, skin lasers, collagen boosters. I know what some people may say. You look so cute you didn’t need all that. I get it, I really do. OPINIONS! That's the beauty, we can all have one. Fast forward to 12 years later… Do I think for one second I would still look like that had I not started being preventative? ABSOLUTELY NOT! I’m thinking it’s a good thing black && white pics were cool because my skin didn’t look that good back then.

ONTO THE Dete’s

Tips to be mindful of when considering lip filler.

• See a reputable injector or dermatologist whose results & before && afters you love.

• Shop for quality, not $$. It’s your face && bad things do happen. You need to make sure you are trusting your face to an expert who can help you through any circumstance.

• Know that immediate results will be swollen thru the next 5 days.

• Voluptuous lips are usually not built in a day. (Rome was not built in a day). If you desire a fuller look, you may require multiple sessions && multiple syringes of filler.
  
  

WHAT ARE LIP FILLERS?

They are dermal fillers of hyaluronic acid (a sugar found naturally in the body) that adds temporary volume && definition when injected into lips. As one who regularly bathes in hyaluronic acid-rich moisturizers on my face, I was not the least weirded out about shooting it into my lips as well. It’s really just the actual injecting part…

Different Types?

Both Restylane and Juvederm are said to produce smooth results due to the plumping effects of hyaluronic acid. However, Juvederm tends to last a bit longer overall. These are the only 2 brands I have used && they both have different types for different areas. Discuss this with your injector.

Positive Vibes

SO YES! THAT’S my journey with lip filler- && I’m happy to share! Especially in the day & age of filtering everything.

Anyway, I just don’t care what people think about it. At the end of the day, I know it’s not for everyone- I am not telling anyone to get their lips filled, I am simply sharing MY journey.

IT FEELS GOOD TO FEEL GOOD ABOUT YOURSELF && DO WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY!!! People can be cruel, usually, as a defense mechanism, if they are curious && they don’t know how to categorize their feelings. A lot of people think they are “not the kind of person” who would do injectables, && when they see people like them doing it, it can inspire a lot of internal conflicts. Don’t pay attention to what people think because it has nothing to do with you… <3