My experience with lip filler
 
I am a busy mum of two little girls and finding time for myself is always hard, so when I was asked to be a model for lip filler for a pharmaceutical training session I jumped at the chance. Below I will share my lip filler journey and my before and after 1ml of lip filler photos for those still unsure if lip filler is the right choice for them.

As I mentioned I was a model for lip filler for a training session being run by one of the major pharmaceutical companies. My lip filler treatment was being performed by a Nurse Practitioner. I feel like if you are having lip filler it is really important to choose an experienced injector. The lip area is highly vascularised which means there is a lot of blood vessels in that area which increases the risk of bruising and vascular occlusion.

Choosing an experienced injector doesn’t mean you won’t bruise at all, I did! However, it does reduce the chance of serious complications like vascular occlusion. The nurse practitioner performing my lip filler actually spoke about how in other countries around the world lip filler is actually considered an advanced dermal filler procedure, whereas in Australia most injectors will be performing lip filler.
 
Does lip filler hurt?

My Nurse Practitioner (NP) prepared my lips for lip filler by placing a topical numbing agent to assist in reducing pain during the procedure. The numbing cream takes about 10-15 minutes to work fully. During this time the NP spoke to me about the procedure, including risks and aftercare. Once the numbing cream was working she began injecting into my lips. The plan was to inject 1ml of hyaluronic acid filler into my lips, to increase volume, hydration and projection. My lips are naturally thin and I have a “gummy smile”. The lip filler procedure was relatively quick, around 15-20 minutes. I found lip filler to be the most painful of all dermal filler procedures I have had, however it was still less painful than antiwrinkle injections to the forehead!
 
Lip filler after

Immediately following lip filler injections, my lips were swollen, and I had a small bruise to my top right lip. I applied a small lip shaped ice pack to my lips which gave me immediate relief. The numbing cream was still effective for around another 30minutes, so I did not find it too uncomfortable until later that night. I continued to ice my lips and applied an arnica lip balm to help with the bruising and swelling. After lip filler I was icing my lips every hour for about ten minutes and would apply the arnica lip balm after this. Whilst my lips were swollen and tender, they weren’t painful. My injector had advised me to contact her immediately if there was intense pain or any change in the colour of my lips, thankfully there wasn’t!

After lip filler I did find it challenging to drink out of a straw or purse my lips, however this only last about 2-3 days. I found using the arnica lip balm helped relieve the tenderness, swelling and bruising quickly.

The swelling last about 4 days and was then gone completely. I felt so self-conscious that first day that people would know I had something done, however I think it was only noticeable to people that know me well! My NP advised me that I should avoid any heavy exercise, alcohol and NSAID’s as this could increase the risk of bruising. I did notice my lips were quite dry if I didn’t apply the arnica lip balm, which is why my injector advised me to ensure I was drinking plenty of water.
 
I am now 2 weeks after my lip filler and I am so happy with the results! I have received so many compliments. Let me know what you think?