So you’ve been thinking about getting lip fillers. Well, you’re not alone! This particular procedure is actually still pretty popular even in the post-peak-Kylie lip kit era that we live in. While it truly had its moment in 2015 when the then 17-year-old Jenner admitted to getting them, lip fillers’ origin actually dates back to the 1900’s. So it’s not a very new concept but now more than ever, it’s become a pretty common thing to see someone with lip fillers whether you’re scrolling on your phone or IRL. It’s not something that’s exclusive to celebrities or influencers anymore and it has even become the gateway treatment to exploring the world of both invasive and non-invasive procedures.

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Dr. Kristina Reyes of Luminisce is a skin doctor, preventive medicine expert, and cosmetic surgeon who’s got 11 years of experience and she says that social media is the main factor for this spike and because of the procedure’s instant effect. “I have witnessed a growing demand for lip fillers, particularly among Gen Z. This increase can be attributed to the influence of social media, which has helped to destigmatize cosmetic procedures and promote self-expression. Moreover, a minimal amount of filler can yield noticeable and satisfying outcomes, providing patients with a subtle yet impactful transformation.”

But, of course, getting anything done on your face can be a little intimidating. I honestly never thought I’d have any desire to get this procedure as I am not the biggest fan of needles. But as someone who is naturally curious and adventurous about everything beauty, cosmetic treatments were also a niche that has always intrigued me. After weeks of researching, I felt like it’d be something that could help with the overall symmetry of my face, and at 27 years old, I felt like I was emotionally ready for the transformation.

I just had to see what the fuss was all about too! Was it really worth the pain of sticking needles in your lips several times for a little more lip real estate? Why is there a slew of lip plumpers in the market, trying to replicate its effects and was it totally different from what you can get from a tube of something like the Dior Addict Lip Maximizer Gloss or the Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme Lip Plumper?

In the age of transparency and shared knowledge, the stigma on cosmetic surgery and procedures is almost gone. So the more videos I watched on TikTok about personal experiences plus reading articles about all the technical aspects of lip fillers, it made me feel safer to try it. And I’m not going to make you wait ‘til the end of this article to let you know what I personally think about lip fillers because spoiler alert: I love it. If I thought putting on my lip products was fun before, now it’s extra, extra fun. And I’m not gonna lie, it feels like I’m essentially granting a childhood dream of looking like my Bratz dolls. I was also getting compliments that there was something different about me, they just couldn’t pinpoint what it was. Then I proceed to excitedly tell them it’s my lips then I’d get that aha! reaction.

But as exciting as it is to feel the newfound boost of confidence with this subtle change, with anything, moderation is still key. Dr. Reyes has this advice to anyone planning to get the procedure: “It’s important to prioritize informed decision-making and responsible usage. Our focus is on delivering safe treatments, staying updated on advancements, and achieving natural-looking results. It is recommended to consult with a qualified professional for accurate information and personalized care.”

If you’re planning to get lip fillers anytime soon, read below to know more about what to expect.

What are lip fillers?

First things first, what is a lip filler? Of all the procedures, this one is pretty straightforward. But in its simplest technical form, Dr. Reyes describes it as “A lip filler refers to an injectable substance that is used to enhance the appearance of the lips. It is typically composed of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the body that helps maintain moisture and volume in the skin. ” The filler can add volume and plumpness to the lips, correct asymmetry, and smoothen out wrinkles in the mouth area.

Do lip fillers hurt?

I’m not going to lie, it’s not at all painless. I may not have the highest pain tolerance but I’m no stranger to needles! I’ve accumulated tattoos and piercings throughout the years but I sure did feel this one. The numbing cream that they drench your lips in for a good few minutes before the procedure does help greatly. Plus, the clinic personnel is there on standby with an icy device during the procedure to help soothe the lips after every injection but you will still feel the pinch. The discomfort is there but it also goes away really quickly so it won’t linger. Just ask for a stress ball if you need extra support!

The writer, before lip fillers

How do I prepare for lip fillers?

The prep work for getting lip fillers is fairly low maintenance. With the actual procedure, you can just set an appointment with them for the consultation, and if their schedule permits, also have it done the same day. But of course, before you decide to get fillers, research, research, research. I cannot emphasize this part enough because even though it’s non-invasive, you’re still altering something in your body by putting a foreign substance in it. So it’s best to know what you’re in for. Read and/or watch all the resources that you can find so that you’re equipped with the necessary knowledge. The researching part also includes meticulously screening the doctor or clinic that will do your procedure. I love a good deal as much as the next girl but this is the part of the beauty world that you don’t wanna skimp on. Find a reputable person or place that has a good track record to do the procedure. You’ll thank yourself later when you’re not stuck with a wonky job.

As mentioned above, there is a consultation period beforehand so even though the procedure itself won’t take hours, give some time allowance for your conversation with the doctor. This way, you won’t be rushing them when you have to go somewhere after your procedure.

Lastly, don’t go ham on your first time. As exciting as it is to transform your lips, oftentimes, people get overwhelmed by how big their lips become after the procedure that, yes, they look like they’ve been stung by a bee. You can always get touch-ups to add more, and that’s much easier than dissolving filler.

The writer, right after the procedure.

What to expect during the procedure

This is a quick and easy procedure that takes 10 to 20 minutes. But that’s excluding the numbing cream that needs to stay on your lips for at least 30 minutes. On average, 100 units of hyaluronic acid are injected into the top and bottom lip.

The doctor will ask your preference for the distribution of the injectable and will mark the areas to inject on your lips. You may opt to have an equal distribution or a more plump upper or lower lip. You can also leave it to the doctor in case you’re not sure what will look good on you.

Then, the doctor will start injecting. You will see results right away and you can ask to make adjustments if you’re not satisfied with how the lip fillers look. But do keep in mind that this isn’t the final result yet! You will usually see the final form of the fillers in a week after all the swelling has subsided. It will feel more natural on your lips and the bruises (if there are any) will have been completely gone.

The writer, two days after the procedure.

Aftercare

There will be bruising after so try not to make any big plans for after your procedure or eat anything that’s hard to chew. There is also swelling, which will intensify the day after, but don’t be scared as it’s perfectly normal. Just ice it and moisturize your lips with an extra layer of lip balm. You’ll also be asked to massage your lips in before you go to sleep to avoid lumps. Make sure to update your doctor afterwards too so they are informed about the status of your lips post-procedure.

Some additional don’ts in the first 24 hours include avoiding smoking, drinking alcohol, and kissing your S.O. to minimize the risk of infection.

The cost

You can expect to pay P25,000- P30,000 for one CC at Luminisce and this will last you from 3 to 6 months before you’ll need a retouch.

The writer, 4 weeks after the procedure.

The verdict

If you’ve been thinking hard about getting your lips filled and you know you’re mentally, financially, and physically ready for it, then go for it! What’s great about it is it’s not as big a commitment as other procedures. If you like it, you can try it again in a few months, if you don’t then you can just stop getting them or have them dissolved. Just do your due diligence in researching and finding a good doctor that you can trust and of course, don’t get them just because you see everyone doing it! It’s just a simple procedure and to some people, it might not be that big of a deal, but you’re the one who’s going to be looking at the reflection in your mirror every day and it will be more or less different than before. So, make sure it’s not coming from a place of pressure but something that you’re doing for yourself. The template for the standard of beauty doesn’t exist, just do what you think is best for you and what makes you happy!

Book your appointment at Luminisce here.

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