After having naturally thin lips my whole life, I decided to give lip injections a try. Although it took me several years to finally go through with it and get it done, I'm happy with the results overall and may actually end up getting more in the future. One of my main concerns about lip filler was my fear of getting that "ducky" look people talk about. There are a ton of places in New York to get your lips done, so I did a lot of research before I found Skinly Aesthetics, which is where I ended up getting them done. I really did not want to look overdone and after having seen so many photos online of botched celebrities and overall just terrible looking lips, I really was concerned that this was something that would happen to me. I also at the time, was unaware that lip fillers are dissolvable. And let me just say, they don't always look bad, I think Kylie has nice lips, they're just not for me. After extensive research and speaking with a variety of dermatologists, plastic surgery specialists, and aestheticians, the Russian lip technique was the perfect solution to my problem, based on its natural look and quality. There are many techniques available to achieve different looks, depending on your goals. The Russian lip technique was my goal. It gave me the most natural and subtle looking lip injection. This method draws the filler upwards rather than outward during injection, resulting in more upward volume than protruding duck lips. It was also possible to dissolve the filler with hyaluronidase . This is a product that breaks down hyaluronic acids, the main ingredient in Restylane Kysse. My filler could be dissolved if I was not satisfied with my results. This convinced me to continue with the treatment. So, here's how it went!

Before treatment:

Before I booked my appointment, I researched as many medical spas as possible in my area. After I had found the spot, they invited me to come in for a consultation. Then, I was able to schedule my treatment. The doctor reviewed my medical history, and asked me questions about my goals and past treatments. They were able to fill my injections the same day because they were available, which was very exciting. I was definitely nervous, but after they had explained to me that there is more than just one type of lip filler and one technique, I began to feel more comfortable. On top of that, I do have friends who have gotten lip fillers, which really put me at ease. Plus, I knew that in the worst case scenario, I could just dissolve it.

The injection process:

After they sanitized my lips, they applied a cream that contained primarily lidocaine to my lips. They left the numbing cream on my lips for 20 minutes, then took me to the procedure room.

Although I was nervous as it was my first lip filler procedure, I wasn't as nervous as I had been in the past. My doctor was also very comforting, which made the experience even more pleasant. In addition, the numbing cream really made it more comfortable. It was definitely still a little painful, but manageable. The entire treatment took between 15 and 20 minutes. It was not pleasant but the numbing cream made it more bearable. (FYI, there are lip fillers that contain lidocaine!) After the injections were completed, I was able to clean my lips and take a look at the mirror. I will admit that I was surprised when I saw my reflection in the mirror. Although I hadn't seen my lips this way before, I was aware that they were still swelling and I wanted to wait until they settled before I made any final judgments. They were very swollen and a little bruised, which scared me.

I was sent home with an ice pack and instructed to not touch or rub my lips for three days. The doctors advised me not to exercise or expose my lips too much heat the first day to increase swelling. They advised me to use an arnica gel and warm compress if I bruised the next day, which I did end up doing because I naturally bruise very easily. About a week later, the bruising had subsided. I was finally able to see my final result. I was pleasantly surprised.

Final thoughts

The entire process was far more straightforward than I expected. It started with the consultation and ended with the injection. I was concerned that the filler might be too obvious. This could vary depending on your perception of what is obvious. I was also told that the standard amount for a lip filler is one full syringe, and that anything more dramatic would require 1.5 to 2 syringes minimum. This held true, as I did get a full syringe, with very natural looking results. Although the results were natural looking to me, anyone who has seen me regularly can see that my lips have grown a bit. Thankfully, while there was a difference in the size of my lips, which obviously, is why I got the filler in the first place, they really did not look ducky at all. My injector suggested the Russian Lip technique, which could have contributed to a more natural appearance. I spent a lot of time researching all possible benefits and risks of this procedure on this website before I became convinced that Russian lip technique would suit me best. If I do get lip filler again, I will likely go with the same treatment and obviously the same doctor. I was also told that it is helpful to stick to the same injector since they know what you like and how you've been injected in the past.

Overall, I am happy I was able to experience it. I can see myself doing it again after the effects wear off. I recommend speaking with several doctors to learn more about Russian lip fillers if you're still unsure about having them done.