So, over a month ago I did this little thing…I got lip fillers.
I have never been anti-cosmetic enhancements but I always thought that I would wait a little while before getting fillers or Botox. However, I entered this giveaway that just appeared on my Instagram one day and guess what…I WON! I was so excited and I was even more excited when I found out that my friend Cara also won a similar giveaway. So, we booked our appointment at Rejuvinations Medi-Spa in Falmouth with one of the coolest, friendliest, and most down-to-earth injectors in Southern Maine.
Nurse Mia is wonderful! From the beginning, even just over Instagram messenger, I got such a good vibe from her. She’s prompt and very out-going. She was so excited for Cara and I and very willing to fit us into her busy schedule. She took her time with both of us, did a thorough assessment, and did not rush at all. We chatted for a while and she made sure that I was comfortable and fully understood the process. Some people may have the misconception that cosmetic injections have to be given by a plastic surgeon or a specialized practitioner but that is far from the truth. Aesthetic nurses who administer cosmetic products are just as capable. One fun fact about Mia is that she is going back to school to be a nurse practioner {major kudos to her!!}. She’s a hoot and so much fun to follow on Instagram – click this link to see what she’s all about and to see some of her work!
We started out my appointment by discussing what my goals were and what I envisioned. Personally, I wanted to start slow and price was a consideration for me as well {even with the giveaway}. I decided to go with 1/2 a syringe or 0.5 ml. Mia suggested that I go for the Juvederm Volbella because it’s subtle and very hydrating. Since my lips are ALWAYS wicked dry and I wanted a natural look, this sounded like a good idea to me.
People can have these opinions and misconceptions about fillers but I feel like not everyone does their research or truly understands what it is. Volbella is just hyaluronic acid which is a natural component in our skin. It is so effective because it holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water {which is also the reason you’ll see it in many different skincare products – ex: it’s in my Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Moisturizer}.
The injection process was slightly more painful than I expected. Mia does use a gel numbing product that works within minutes but there’s still a tiny pinch when the injection is given. The injection contains lidocaine which helps but also causes a sting upon injection. I found that when Mia used the insulin syringe to perform a technique known as “tenting” I could feel a pinch more than when she used the larger needle {but it’s well worth it}. I also made the mistake of only eating an English muffin with peanut butter the day of my appointment {my appointment was at 2 pm and I had eaten around 8 am so that was a very poor decision}. I did get quite light-headed and sweaty {side effects of local lidocaine} during the process but it was warm in the room and I’m pretty sure that wouldn’t have happened if I was smart and had eaten lunch that day.
As far as healing and downtime goes, there was basically no sign of injections either directly after or the next day. I didn’t really bruise at all but my lips were definietly swollen which honestly made them look even better. I did ice my lips on and off the rest of the night but the next morning I had my 6 hour NAPLEX {national pharmacy board} exam at 8 am and didn’t have any pain or brusing by then. So, here are the results:
I’m overall very happy with how my lips came out. It was subtle enough that even my parents really liked it. I hope to get them done again soon but between loans, rent, and saving for a house & a car, I’m forced to put that on hold for a little while.
If you have any questions or are thinking of getting yours done feel free to message or email me!
XOXO – Sarah
