Dermal Fillers – what I learnt when I lost my filler virginity.
I know I am not alone when ‘big lips’ are the only thing that comes to mind when I think of fillers. So, I set out to find out more.
Love Island contestants have made fillers famous (or infamous), but the more I investigated, the more I discovered the number of celebrities and public figures who have had ‘good’ fillers – and you wouldn’t even realise. They just look great. Cheek fillers, lip fillers, fillers for jowls, under eyes and in the temples – the list goes on.
Dr Cherry expertly explained that if you “over-fill” – whether it is lips or anywhere else on the face, something looks off or rather alien. However, use fillers subtly, the result is a naturally fresher and younger look without it being obvious someone has had anything ‘done’.
I thought I would give it a go. Nervous? Yes.
How are fillers injected?
I booked in for lip filler – a 40 minute appointment. I completed the medical questionnaire – no, I am not pregnant or breastfeeding etc.
Dr Cherry went through the procedure – patiently asking what outcome I am looking for (subtle and natural), what I am not happy with and how she will inject the filler. At any time I could have backed out, re-booked or simply changed my mind – she made that abundantly clear. I was reassured by her thorough assessment and signed the consent form to go ahead.
I reclined in the doctor’s couch to have my lips numbed and then sat reading a magazine for about 20mins whilst the anesthetic took effect. Dr Cherry then went through the process again, checking I was still happy and whether I had any further questions. Will it hurt?? She honestly answered that I may feel discomfort, but it shouldn’t be too painful. Ok here we go.
Dr Cherry expertly used a canula and injected the filler away from my lips for two reasons – it’s less painful and it also leaves less of a mark, so on leaving the appointment people wouldn’t notice the injections so much – how thoughtful!
It wasn’t the most comfortable thing I’ve ever had, but it wasn’t nearly as painful as I expected. Injecting just over a 1 ml, she skilfully jumped from top to bottom and side to side, so if I wanted to stop or didn’t need any more, I wouldn’t be lob-sided.
Filler before and after
The immediate result – brilliant. I seriously didn’t expect such a good result! I was buzzing!! I was given the aftercare advice, including to expect swelling, and rebooked for two weeks (to check I am happy with the results). I was also told to avoid touching the area, saunas, steam rooms, strenuous exercise, alcohol, and retinol for the following 24 hours.
I hadn’t told my husband I was having anything done, and when I got home and did notice… “you’ve had ….. something…?”… but he couldn’t pinpoint it and just thought I looked good. Phew.
This is immediately after – a bit of redness, but not too bad.
That evening my lips swelled a bit and that made me worry – they were larger than I wanted and whilst I knew to expect swelling, I panicked slightly. A quick message to Cherry did calm my nerves – “this will happen – give it another day or so”.
Fortunately the swelling did go down and I can’t quite believe how anti-ageing it has been. People don’t really notice that I have had anything done, more that I just look refreshed and younger. With two young kids, I barely ever feel fresh so this is such a compliment.
How long does filler last
Back in for my check up with Dr Cherry, I didn’t need a top up. She was pleased with the results and because she uses quality Juvederm products, I can expect them to last for about a year.
Would I do it again
Definitely! I’m so pleased I did it.
Find out more about fillers here. Or book a no-obligation consultation with Dr Cherry be calling 0203 9411815 or contacting us. Cheek fillers are also really popular. Find out more here.
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