Whether you like the fact or not, aesthetic treatments, including lip fillers, are on the up and up. And up. No, it's not for everyone, but if you are considering lip fillers, here's everything you need to know.
Lip fillers used to be two bad words. Say the words and picture a celebrity with more mouth than face. This is 2017, though, and times (and techniques) have changed. Gone are the days of the ‘trout pout’ and obvious looking lip filler. With the right technique, a skilled practitioner can make sure your results are so natural that it looks like you were born with Angelina Jolie lips.
I am in no way encouraging anyone to have their lips done as it is a personal decision. But I decided to embark on some lip fillers for my wedding. If you are thinking about having the treatment done, here's my experience and a few top tips I've picked up along the way.
I booked my treatment with Nurse Marsha at ClearSkin Clinic in Sandyford, Dublin. I had to book three weeks in advance as Nurse Marsha was booked up, which is a testament to just how popular this treatment has become.
The treatment
I had a consultation with Nurse Marsha to discuss size and shape. For the procedure, my lips were numbed so that I couldn’t feel a thing. The treatment itself took approximately 15 minutes and I was relaxed and comfortable throughout. Nurse Marsha used hyaluronic acid fillers which were injected into my lips.
Lip fillers are a temporary treatment. The first time you have your lips done they usually last up to four months. If you have had your lips done before, they can last up to nine months. If you don’t like how your lips look following treatment then you can have the lip filler removed.
I absolutely loved my filled lips. They were perfectly symmetrical and exactly what I wanted. They went from looking slightly wrinkled and dehydrated to youthful and juicy. I love the definition on the cupid's bow, the shape is perfect and the best part is that they look so natural. I really believe the symmetry and style of your lips is completely down to the practitioner you choose. It all depends on how skilled they are, how carefully they place the product and their preferred style. That is why it is so important to choose your practitioner very wisely.
Choosing a practitioner
- Always choose a medical practitioner to inject your lips
In Ireland, the injection of filler is not yet regulated which means that anyone from a hairdresser to a beautician can legally inject the filler. Even in the best hands, this procedure is not without risks so you should only choose a medical practitioner to perform your treatment.
- Experience is key
Even if your practitioner has a medical background, it is important to ask them how long they have been injecting lips as you need to be sure your medical practitioner is experienced and highly skilled. After all, you don’t want someone practising injecting filler on your lips.
- Ask to see examples of your practitioner’s work
Sculpting lips really is an art so you need to see plenty of examples of your practitioners work to make sure you like the results they achieve.
Nurse Marsha
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I chose Nurse Marsha as she is a Registered Nurse and Independent Nurse Prescriber so I knew I was in safe hands. Marsha is qualified to prescribe medicine or treatment should any complications arise. She has over 15 years of experience and she specializes in lip fillers so she does this treatment on a daily basis. She has enhanced lips of all different shapes and sizes over the years and has truly perfected the treatment.
I did my research before booking in for my treatment and I looked at lots of before and after photos. Nurse Marsha’s work was by far my favourite. Marsha has an amazing eye; she can see the little unbalances that need to be corrected, she knows when to stop and how to make the lips look plumped but not ‘done’ which is exactly what I wanted. Marsha has an Instagram page (@nursemarsha) where she regularly posts new before and after photos so I could see the level of consistency in her work and how beautiful and incredibly natural her patient's lips always turned out.
I loved my results and I would highly recommend Nurse Marsha at ClearSkin if you are considering having your lips done.
There are risks involved
No matter how skilled or qualified your practitioner is, there are some risks and side effects associated with this treatment which you need to be aware of.
- Swelling
The most common side effect is swelling; it is part and parcel of the treatment. Some people’s lips swell very little, others swell up quite a bit and it usually lasts for 2 days but it can be longer. My lips swelled very little after the treatment so it was not noticeable.
- Lumps and bumps
Even though they occur infrequently, lumps and bumps are one of the most common side effects associated with lip fillers. Lumps and bumps are not a reaction to the filler but occur depending on the consistency of the filler used. Some filler may last longer but have a higher potential for lumps and bumps. Other filler is softer and more natural looking. It may not last as long but has a much lower potential for lumps and bumps. The good news is that lumps and bumps can be very easily removed by your practitioner. Depending on the product used, lumps can either be massaged out or a solution can be used to dissolve them.
- Bruising
There is always a risk of bruising when a needle is inserted into the skin. Although it is not as common, it can happen as the little vessels sit under the skin and can get nicked during the treatment. If you are unlucky enough to bruise, it usually lasts between three and seven days but large bruises can be longer.
- Vascular occlusion and compression
This is extremely rare but it can happen. It is a blockage of the blood flow into the lips and can occur when there is extreme swelling or if a piece of filler gets into a vessel.
Thankfully, I did not have any side effects following my treatment other than a little bit of swelling.
If you are thinking of having your lips done, the lovely people at ClearSkin have a very exciting offer for you.
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Mention ‘Beaut.ie’ when booking, and you can avail of this special offer. Half ml €230 or up to 1 ml €299 (usually €350). T&Cs apply. Call ClearSkin on 01 2939148 to book.
