Lip Filler: Before And After (And Was It Worth It)

Curious about lip filler? Looking for the best person to do your filler in San Diego or wondering how much it actually costs? I’ve been in your indecisive and curious shoes. So let’s walk through what it’s like to get lip filler for the first time.

Lip filler was one of those things that I initially got curious about and then just couldn’t shake. Thanks, Instagram. I spent many hours scrolling through dermatologist pages and absolutely obsessing over hundreds of lip filler before and after pictures. Hundreds. This discovery phase, per say, lasted a whole year- and by that time my boyfriend was (understandably) so totally over hearing me lament over my desire to get my lips done and was basically telling me to do it just so I would stop talking about it. I was in the DM’s of practically every aesthetician in San Diego asking questions- when finally I connected with Nicole Brustkern of @letstoxaboutit who put me at ease and gave me my first taste of the good life. And now, I am here to tell you all about my decision to get lip filler and of course, give you a look at before and after. I’ve also got some hot tips and words of wisdom from the San Diego aesthetics queen that is Dr. Nicole Brustkern herself.

Deciding If Lip Filler Is Right For You

Now mind you- I’m someone that prides myself on keeping it pretty holistic and clean when it comes to beauty. I found myself juggling the thoughts of wanting this treatment so badly but also caring a bit too much about what others would think & if it fit into my value system. Well, as I’m writing this post, you can tell those things did not keep me from getting my lips done. And if you too are wondering if lip filler fits into your clean beauty values - I hear you. Nicole states, “The filler we use in the lips is made out of hyaluronic acid, which is naturally occurring in our body to keep our tissues hydrated, plump, and youthful. Lip filler mimics the hyaluronic acid that already exists in our lips. On a molecular level, filler and lip tissue are very similar. This is why, when done correctly, lip filler looks, moves, and feels exactly like your natural lip tissue.”

Above all, it’s important to realize that lip filler is not permanent. Nicole goes on to say that, “Hyaluronic acid filler, like naturally-occurring hyaluronic acid, breaks down over time with the help of an enzyme in our bodies called hyaluronidase. Most fillers only last 6 months to a year in our bodies. And, if you hate your filler or experience complications, hyaluronidase can be injected to dissolve the filler.”

On a personal note, I made the decision to get lip filler because I just wanted some extra “Oomph.” My lips weren’t something I was ever really self-conscious about, but I just love the way responsibly filled lips look. As your friend, I urge you to look into the “Why” you want fillers- and if it is for anyone else but you, maybe reconsider.

Preparing For Your Lip FilleR Appointment

One thing I didn’t realize is that there are so many different brands of filler. It can get overwhelming to make the decision of which filler to pick - which is why it is so important to find a trusted practitioner to help you make a choice that is right for you. Nicole adds, “Myself and other injectors make our selection and recommendations depending on the person's goals, natural lip shape, lip size, and age. Your friend or favorite influencer may have had a great experience with Restylane Kysse, but that doesn't mean it's the best or safest choice for you. Always defer to the expertise of your injector. If you have any doubts or concerns about their recommendations, you can (and should) get a second opinion.”

Figuring out which filler is right for you is one of the many reasons why it is so crucial to schedule a consultation before your filler appointment. My virtual consultation lasted about 15 minutes, was free, and made me feel so much more comfortable with the choice I was making. This consultation was essential in my opinion. It’s where I learned what not to do before getting filler (drink alcohol), and that Arnica gel will be your best friend during the healing process. The appointment also solidified that I was with the right injector: someone who puts an emphasis on natural results and wasn’t trying to push me to do more, more, more.

So, How Much Is Lip Filler?

Through the consultation process, it was determined that the best filler for me would be Versa. At least in San Diego, this certain filler costs about $600 for 1mL. So when preparing- make sure you also know that it is an investment. It is also worth noting that if you are looking at cheaper options like DIY hyaluronic pen filler to avoid the cost: please don’t do it. It isn’t safe, and the results are not something you’ll be happy with.

The FIrst Lip Filler Appointment

The day arrived, and while I was SO nervous for my filler appointment, I was also equally excited. I knew I was in good hands with Nicole- from our first interaction she was welcoming, honest, and fun. And by honest, I mean she definitely didn’t lie and say that what was coming was going to feel good. I sat in her chair, and then proceeded to get my lips anointed in numbing cream. Thank God for the numbing cream.

Even though I paid for 1full syringe of Versa, we only used about .85 of it. And truthfully- even with numbing cream it was not a pleasant experience, so I was glad we stopped when we did. Getting lip filler is agreeing to get a needle stuck into one of your most sensitive areas over, and over again, so be prepared. Even though Dr. Brustkern was graceful and conservative- there were still a few tears that escaped my eyes. But the good news is, once the appointment is over, so is the pain. A piece of advice: “It is crucial that you never receive more than 1 milliliter (1 syringe) of filler in a session. Injecting more than this is unsafe and can result in migration, lumps, and an unnatural look,” says Nicole.

What To Expect After Getting Filler

Healing from a lip filler procedure takes time and patience. For about two weeks I was swollen and bruised, and very thankful for masks. It can be frightening at times, because the swelling can make you think you overdid it. Everyone is different, but during my healing process there was absolutely no denying that I had just gotten my lips done. I took pride in it though, because I had finally done the one thing I wanted for myself for so long. But, make sure to time your appointment right so you are not still swollen during any important events.

Two weeks later, well, you couldn’t stop me from taking selfies. I was obsessed. While it was just a little change, I absolutely loved the structure and plumpness the procedure gave me. It looked natural and I felt sexy.

A year later, and I am just now considering a second procedure because my results lasted that long. I still feel like my lips are benefitting from filler even though much of it has worn off. The best way I can describe it is that lip filler was more like a hydrating treatment than an aesthetic procedure. To anyone looking to invest in themselves with lip filler - I totally recommend it. Just make sure to find a practitioner who promises natural and realistic results. If you’re in San Diego I cannot recommend Dr. Nicole Brustkern more. As she put it best - “It's important to have an injector who will say no.”