Thanks to a little-known celebrity named Kylie Jenner, getting lip fillers has become almost normalized in today’s society. Which, for small-lipped girls like myself, is kind of annoying because everyone is walking around with plumped pouts and here I am with a totally non-existent upper lip just wishing I had a nice set of DSLs. But we’re not here to talk about my issues right now.
So if you’re anything like me and you’ve been curious about what getting lip fillers really entails, I talked to Dr. Lara Devgan, New York-based plastic surgeon to the stars (literally, she’s Kim Kardashian’s plastic surgeon), to give you a breakdown of everything you’ve likely thought about if getting lip fillers has ever crossed your mind. Because after all, even though fillers aren’t permanent, they do last for a while (on your face, no less), and are definitely more of an investment than the other quick-fix lip plumping products on the market.
What Should You Know Going Into A Lip Filler Appointment?
In addition to doing extensive research on the dermatologist or plastic surgeon that will be doing your lip fillers, there are also a few things you should avoid in the days leading up to your appointment. “We recommend that you avoid alcohol and blood thinners a day or two beforehand, as this can increase your chance of bruising or swelling,” advises Dr. Devgan.
Should You Bring Reference Pictures Of What You Want Your Lips To Look Like?
If you’ve ever gotten a major haircut before, then you’ve likely brought a reference picture into your stylist as an example of how you want your locks to look, but should you do that when it comes to your pout? According to Dr. Devgan, you can, but just know that you need to be realistic with your expectations. “A patient is more than welcome to bring in pictures of their desired results,” says the doctor. “During the consultation we will discuss the images as well as the patient’s facial anatomy and together come up with a realistic desired result. For very voluptuous looks, sometimes more than one session of lip augmentation is needed.”
Meaning, your facial structure really helps to determine your results. For example, if you bring in a picture of a celebrity that has a cupid’s bow that is much more defined then yours, just know your end results will look a little different.
What Size Should You Get?
It’s probably common to think the bigger the better, but don’t forget that what may be considered a small amount of fillers for one person, can make the next person look like Big Ang (RIP). “The biggest myth about lip fillers is that you have to look ducky or overdone,” says Dr. Devgan. “The best lip augmentations look like lips you could have been born with.”
According to the doctor, the amount of fillers used is different for everyone and whoever you are seeing for your appointment will likely customize the amount of fillers used based on your desired results and face structure. “The size or amount of fillers is something that is unique to each patient,” shares Dr. Devgan. “I always want my patients to feel their best and that is why I customize the amount of filler I put in for that individual.”
What Does The Procedure Entail?
“At my office you will come in and have an in-depth consultation and full facial analysis to come up with a procedural plan that meets your goals, says Dr. Devgan. “Afterwards you will sign consent forms and we will apply a topical numbing cream to your lips. We let this sit for about 10-15 minutes to make sure you are comfortable during the procedure.”
The doctor will then remove the numbing cream, mark where the injections will go, and get to injecting. “The lip augmentation itself involves microdroplet precise placement of filler, which is a jelly-like sugar molecule related to the body’s collagen, says the doctor. “After the filler has been injected, I apply an antibiotic ointment to the lips and give you a cold pack to apply to the lips for comfort.”
What Will Your Lips Look Like Immediately After?
“Immediately afterwards, the lips are slightly swollen,” shares Dr. Devgan, which is why it’s important to not get fillers right before a big event (instead, get them two or so weeks in advance). ” will go down in about a week or two. Icing helps reduce swelling.”
When Will They Look “Normal”?
According to the doctor, you’ll see the “real” results about 2-3 weeks after getting the fillers. “With all dermal fillers you will see the final results in about 2-3 weeks after the procedure,” she says. “If there is any swelling or bruising it would have gone down by then and the lips will look pretty and optimized.”
How Long Do Fillers Last?
Like the actual procedure itself, the duration of the fillers also depends on the individual. Dr. Devgan says that lip fillers typically last anywhere from 3-6 months depending on a number of things, like your metabolic rate, how much you move your lips, and how much product you apply to the lips. Meaning? If you’re someone who can’t shut up, drunkenly makes out with everyone in sight, and applies lip gloss constantly, then your fillers won’t last as long as someone who…well, doesn’t.
What Is The Maintenance Involved?
“Most patients will come back every 6 months, but it’s not required,” says Dr. Devgan. “You can definitely try lip fillers once and never do it again.”
What Are The Risks Involved?
According to Dr. Devgan, lip augmentation is generally a pretty safe procedure, with the main concerns being bruising and swelling; however, there are some more serious risks involved. “There are theoretical risks of infection, tissue injury, or necrosis, and this is why you absolutely must trust your face to an expert in facial anatomy. Don’t Groupon your face!” she warns.
So if you’ve been considering plumping your pout, just know that some swelling should be expected and that you should trust your doctor so that they can properly customize the correct lip size for you—you know, so people don’t start confusing you for a member of the Zolciak-Biermann family.
Images: Ian Dooley / Unsplash
In addition to eyebrows, we’re like, always staring at other people’s lips. Sounds creepy af, but you know it’s true. Whether they’re physically standing in front of you or on the face of a Kardashian, lips are yet another facial feature we closely scrutinize and spend more than enough time on in the bathroom. We can thank Kylie Jenner for making us feel 10 times worse about having little to no lips and contemplate going under the needle. Even if the thought lasted two minutes, it was long enough for me to realize how ridiculous and expensive that would be when I could use all of the makeup in the world to get the same result. Fucking magical. If you’re striving to get lips that resemble those of Angelina Jolie or Candice Swanepoel, there’s a super easy technique for that. Here are 7 ways to make your lips look bigger in minutes. All of which don’t require going full-on Kylie getting fillers.
1. Use Concealer As Your Base
With a shade that’s only slightly lighter than your own, spread concealer all over your lip line before applying any lip gloss or lipstick. Prepping your lips with a light color creates the illusion of larger lips. Be careful as to not get a concealer that looks white and pasty, otherwise people may start to wonder if you’re literally dying.
2. Always Overdraw Your Lip Liner
This is the most obvious (and favorite) solution for making your lips look bigger. It’s fucking easy and takes maybe like, a total of 30 extra seconds. Use the same color, or whatever is closest, to the lipstick shade you’ll be wearing and trace SLIGHTLY outside of your lip line. When you shade in and apply your lipstick, this creates a fuller pout and you’ll start to see why it looks as though every model has perfect lips.
3. Stick To Nudes
As much as we love a vampy purple and fall red, darker colors tend to make your lips look nonexistent. Sorry, but it’s true. You’ll get the best results with natural-looking shades and light hues like Nars Satin Lipstick in Orgasm, so stick to the nudes you know best to really make your lips look bigger than they are.
4. Contouring Your Lips Is A Must
If you didn’t know, contouring your lips is very much a thing that will make your lips look bigger. First, you’ll want to slightly overdraw your lip line with a liner that’s darker than your lipstick. Rub in the line with your finger and apply your lipstick. We’re off to a great start if you haven’t smeared it across your face yet. Layer on a lighter lipstick *only* in the middle where your cupid’s bow is and below on your bottom lip. Blend gently, and congratulations, you’ve just contoured your lips.
5. Never Forget The Lip Gloss
Lip gloss is great, lip gloss is life. Never forget the lip gloss in your lip routine. The more shimmer it has, the juicier it will make your lips look. Opt for a lip gloss that plumps and provides instant volume, like the Dior Addict Lip Maximizer Plumping Gloss. Be sure to slather on extra gloss right in the center of your lips, so they catch good lighting and look amazing in all angles throughout the day.
6. Lip Balm For The Win
No one likes dry, flaky, chapped lips. Always rid your lips of flakes by finishing off your look with a clear lip balm. Your lips look bigger when they’re smoother and not cracked. Life hack.
7. Lip Plumpers, Duh
These are about as close to lip injections as you can get without actually involving a needle. While some require daily use for up to a month, others work as low-key lip glosses, too. Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme is formulated with moisturizing oils and collagen stimulants that swell your lips just enough to bring out a flushed color and create a fuller appearance. Use up to twice a day and like, FYI, you will probs feel a slight tingling sensation as a sign that it’s doing its job.
Images: Tumblr (2)
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