Love them or hate them, lip fillers are a very popular procedure in today's world. Here are a few things I have learnt (good & bad) from getting my lips filled 3 times, each time by a different doctor.
YOUTUBE VIDEO:
NB - This is not medical advice, I am simply sharing my experience so you can get an understanding from the patients perspective.
1) They can become addictive
I set out saying OK, I am just going to try these once (it is like the equivalent of saying you'll only have one cookie, it never goes to plan). Even though I loved my lips before and was not insecure at all about them, I wanted to try it for the experience and now I do really like them just that bit fuller, I feel sassier with it and just like the look. If you looked at me though, you probably would not know that I have had them done - and that is how I want it to be.
2) You might not like them, even if you did the first time
This was the case for me the second time. I went to a very good doctor who had outstanding reviews and it was actually my most expensive appointment. Unfortunately, there was some asymmetry the second time and I was just generally unhappy with the shape. Obviously the goal is to prefer your new lips, but sadly in some cases you may prefer them before.
3) You need to speak up
I know this is a tricky one - you're lying on a surgical bed and have a doctor with a needle standing over you. However, if something is not right - you need to say something. Whether it is the shape or if there is a lump - it is best to say everything right away in the appointment so it can be sorted appropriately. Things like lumps are also a lot easier to feel than see, which is why it is very important you say.
4) Filler lasts a lot longer than the 9-12 months advertised
There are now many studies using ultrasound and MRI scans proving this. I am linking a great YouTube video by Dr. Chan HERE which brilliantly explains and demonstrates this.
Everybody is different, so some metabolise filler faster than others.
Occasionally too, filler can become encapsulated, in which it needs to be dissolved - your natural hyalase won't be able to break it down.
5) Filler can migrate
Again using ultrasound and MRI scans, we are able to see that in some cases the filler moves and ends up not where it was initially injected. This is more likely to happen if too much filler was injected or if it was injected into the wrong plane.
This makes sense when you think of how mobile our faces are - around your mouth you have the orbicularis oris muslce which is a complex and multi-layered muscle and is partially responsible (in conjunction with other muscles) for all the expressions you make, eating, kissing, drinking, speaking - many day to day functions.
6) Every practitioner has different opinions and injecting styles
Just like no two snowflakes are the same, each practitioner will have a slightly different outlook on what they think is best for your lips. It is not simply “fill” - there are all sorts of shapes, styles and top to bottom ratios - you need to have a look beforehand to see what your preference is and what would suit you. Then, you need to find a practitioner who is not only medically qualified and experienced but that has your style - some only do really natural looks while others have a more Brats Doll vibe. Then during the consult you also need to be really clear with what you want - I recommend showing pictures!
7) Less is more
Even if you do want that really full lip, it is way better to build up slowly. By not over injecting, you will minimise the risk of migration and also keep the lips natural shape, avoiding any trout pouts.
That is it! I hope you enjoyed this post - let me know in the comments below if you have had your lips done or are thinking about it :)
Lots of love,
Madeleine xoxo