What to expect from lip fillers

2018 is a confusing time, a time where it can feel as though you are constantly governed by conflicted ideals. I would argue this especially true for the twenty-something girls who are expected to exist harmoniously in a world which is both obsessed with cosmetic surgery and perfection, while simultaneously being fiercely judgmental of it. If we cast our minds back to Kylie Jenner, who was forced into the scrutinising public eye as a child, developed an insecurity around the size of her lips and decided to have this remedied; followed by a frenzy of public backlash. 

In the name of full disclosure, and in a quest to extinguish some of the (largely misunderstood) stigma that surrounds minor cosmetic surgery, I will share my experience under the needle.

I find the word ‘need’ the most flippantly thrown around and overused word in the English language. No, I don’t NEED lip fillers, as much as you don’t NEED a scone with your coffee, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have it. What one needs and doesn’t need is entirely up to the individual of whom you are referring to. I don’t need lip fillers, in fact, I’ve always thought I had quite nice lips. The procedure is extremely low risk if you go to an experienced practitioner (I opted for Caci Graham Street) and if it makes you feel more comfortable in your skin, then I would argue you have a lot to gain and nothing to lose. The only risk lies in the ability to know when enough is enough, if you can’t draw a line in the sand, you do run the risk of having two slugs stuck to your face unfortunately.

My ‘never say never’ approach to life has caused me some problems in the past, but as I toyed with the idea of injectables it got the better of me once again. So, unsurprisingly I found myself walking through the doors of Caci Clinic Graham Street, inner voice chanting “never say never”, but apprehensive nonetheless. My nurse Diana was quick to understand my wants and desires, ‘just a bit plumper’ and I really didn’t want people to be able to tell I’ve had them done if I could avoid it, probably a result of aforementioned stigma. Diana knew what to do, and we embarked on a conservative approach.

She then explained how it all works, I’m not a scientist so the technicalities have slipped my mind but all I cared about was that she clearly knew what she was doing, reassuring considering she was about to inject a foreign substance into my face. While having your lips numbed is an option, this has the potential to alter the shape of your lips, a risk I simply was not willing to take. So, I decided to take the other approach; grit my teeth and bear it. I’ll be honest, it’s one of the more painful things I’ve experienced. The needle goes into the very superficial top layer of your skin and runs parallel alongside the lip, she then syringes the filler in while pulling the needle out to disperse it in its trail. She then massages them around to ensure its even, which again is a little uncomfortable but none of it worse than getting a vaccination in my opinion. 

The great thing about fillers is that the effects begin to show instantly, so you’re likely to know if you’ve over done it. But bare in mind that you have just caused a minor injury to the skin, so there will be swelling, which can be alarming. At first you can definitely tell that there is something in there, but rest assured that both the swelling and the funny uneven texture does go down. Fast forward three weeks and my lips look like a slightly fuller, more hydrated version of themselves, and I’m a big fan!

If it’s something you’re interested in, look into it, know your risks and choose your nurse wisely. There’s no judgement on my end – you do you! Fillers are a temporary indulgence, so just like ordering the most decadent dessert on the menu, if it’s within your means; why not?

Before and after photos can be found here