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Everything You Need To Know About Getting Your First Lip Filler

I have wanted full plump lips for as long as I can remember. As someone who is obsessed with lipstick and has thin lips, having that full pout that looks so glamorous was such a dream of mine. I’ve tried many lip plumpers like this Buxom Dolly On Stage but never was completely satisfied. Plus as we age, the collagen production in our body slows down and with that the volume of our lips also reduces. I knew that now was the right time for me to start looking at getting lip filler injections.

What is lip filler?

Lip fillers are a non-invasive procedure using a dermal filler to increase the volume or help change the shape of your lips giving the illusion of plumper lips. Lip fillers are made of hyaluronic acid which is a natural substance within our body that retains moisture giving a more voluminous look.

How much does lip filler cost?

The cost of lip filler can vary, based on geographical location, who is administering it, the type of filler injected, and the amount of filler injected. The price is based on each syringe used, with most people wanting 1-2 syringes. On average one syringe can range anywhere from $500 – $1000. Because this is a cosmetic procedure, lip filler is not covered by health insurance.

How long does lip filler last?

Depending on the filler used, they can last anywhere between 12-18 months. It will vary based on how your body metabolizes hyaluronic acid fillers, with younger people metabolizing it faster and needing it more frequently.

How to decide where to get lip filler?

This is a very personal decision. There are a lot of medspas out there that have lip injections as well as plastic surgeons or dermatologist offices that offer the service. Choose a reputable location with an experienced injector and one where you can see the results of prior patients. I chose to get mine at Sand Lake Dermatology Center in Orlando. I wanted natural-looking results and had other dermal fillers done here before. They were surprisingly affordable compared to some other quotes I had received.

How do I prepare before getting injected?

All medical practitioners have their own rules but this should be something you discuss during your consultation or when you scheduled the appointment.

Tips for before your lip fillers:

• One week prior you will want to stop any blood thinning over-the-counter medications like Aleve, Ibuprofen, and Motrin.
• Discontinue the use of any retinol/retinoids and “anti-aging” products 48 hours prior.
• Do not wax, bleach, or tweeze around the lips so that the area isn’t overly sensitive.
• Do not drink alcohol 24 hours prior.
• Start taking Arnica 48 hours before to help with bruising.

What will lip filler look like?

This was a question I had for myself in the days leading up to the appointment. I searched google, youtube, and tik tok for hours looking for someone who had smaller lips like myself, and still couldn’t envision what it would look like. I think the best advice I saw someone give was to put a bubble of air under your lip pushing them out in a mirror and that could show you what one syringe may look like. Did I look ridiculous doing this in the mirror? Yes. Was this close to what my results looked like? Also, yes. So give it a try.

What should be expected during the procedure?

Always arrive for your lip filler appointment fresh-faced and free of makeup. I took before photos in the parking lot before I arrived but they took additional ones in the office.

The physician’s assistant who did my filler determined that the best approach to having my lips look natural would be if I received chin filler as well to balance out my features. It wasn’t required for me to do this, but I did want to maintain the proportions of my face so I looked as natural as possible.

A topical numbing cream will be applied to help with any pain and then once you feel numb they get started.

Do lip injections hurt?

Honestly, yes. It definitely did not tickle. The lip line is a sensitive area on the face. The injections are done on the upper lip and lower lip, balancing out the fuller appearance as you go along. We were using Juvederm Volbella XC and it contains lidocaine to numb from the inside once it goes in. Once a few injections went in, the lidocaine combined with the numbing cream on the outside made the injections easier to handle. Overall the treatment was over within 5-10 minutes.

Can you see immediate results from lip fillers?

Yes. You absolutely can see an immediate result. The area will be a little swollen as well. Swelling is very common and often the lips will swell to their largest within 24-48 hours. But do not panic if you think they feel too big. The majority of the swelling will go down within the first 5-7 days.

What happens if I hate it?

After two weeks, you will schedule a follow-up appointment. If at that time you think you have too much filler and hate the look of the injections there is a solution for this. By choosing hyaluronic acid fillers, there is an enzyme (hyaluronidase) that can be injected to help dissolve the fillers.

What’s the recovery and aftercare like after injections?

It takes about 2-4 weeks to see complete results free of swelling and the product settling into place. This is why it is recommended to avoid fillers within 2-4 weeks of important events.

Some post-care tips to help speed up recovery:

• Apply an ice pack immediately after and for the first 24 hours.
• Apply Arnica topically to help reduce the bruising.
• Take Acetaminophen to help reduce the pain.
• Avoid lipstick, lip gloss, or other makeup for at least 24 hours.
• Do not drink alcohol or exercise for 24-48 hours after.
• Check with your injector about massaging. Some prefer to have you massage the lips while others don’t. You’ll want to follow their directions.
• The topical numbing cream can be very drying so after 24 hours applying a healing ointment for lips like Aquaphor can help the dryness.

How long until the final look appears?

The final look timing may vary, but in 2 weeks you should see the final result. If you decide you want fuller lips, consult with your injector about when you should receive additional syringes to achieve your desired look.

Lip Filler Results and thoughts

Getting injectable fillers is such a personal decision but can have very rewarding results. I can say after my first lip filler that I’m so happy that I got mine and wish I had done it sooner. While the expense wasn’t exactly cheap, it was an investment that brings me joy. Most people who know me don’t even notice I’ve had them done, which was exactly the look I was going for. Enough that I can see the difference but not too much that people think I look weird.

Are you in the market to get your first fillers? What questions or recommendations would you have for others who are looking to take the plunge? Tell me what you think by leaving a comment below or reach out to me via Instagram @wisteriajaneofficial.