Spoiler alert! On this week’s upcoming episode of Keeping Up
With The Kardashian’s, Kylie Jenner will finally confirm her highly-speculated
lip injections. I, for one, have two things to say: 1) Duh. 2) More power to
her! Finally, we can put an end to this teenage suction cup madness. <If you
don’t know what I’m talking about google “Kylie Jenner Lip Challenge”- it’s
ridiculous and extremely unsafe>. While I do not necessarily think it is age
appropriate for someone 17 years old to get lip injections, I do think it is
her prerogative.
So I’ll go ahead and ask the controversial question now, “If
you don’t like something about yourself, why not change it?”. Not everyone is
blessed with the features they desire and deem as beautiful (since beauty is
subjective, after all.) Some people even suffer low self-esteem issues as a result. For
me personally, someone having lip injections, getting a nose job, or having
breast implants is really no different than someone dyeing their hair, getting
eyelash extensions, a spray tan, or wearing acrylic nails. Fake is fake, is
fake. Aesthetic medicine has evolved in many ways, and it is not quite as taboo
as it once was. With an experienced practitioner whom is well trained and
specialized, hundreds of options are now available to us and should be
investigated further if it is of personal interest.
All of this being said, cosmetic enhancements and aesthetic
treatments are better in moderation (in my opinion.) The greatest aesthetic
treatment is the one you’re not sure happened. <Did she get botox or is she
well rested?> Great physicians and nurses know how and where you may need
enhancement and can tackle problem areas with a natural approach. When Kylie
first got lip injections, it was about this time last year when pictures surfaced of her after attending the Coachella Music festival. At that time, her lips were slightly filled and
appeared even larger with the help of over-drawing her natural lip border with
a lip liner. As time as progressed, she has gradually added more and now <questionably>
looks slightly “over-filled”.
Pictured: The evolution of Kylie’s Lips:
Kylie: Before Lip Injections
This side by side clearly demonstrates her added volume.
Kylie: After Lip Injections (This is her ideal level of correction, in my opinion)
Kylie: After Lip Injections (Slightly over corrected, in my opinion)
Are you interested in possibly receiving lip injections? I’ll
answer some commonly asked questions that might help you to make the decision that
is right for you.
1.)
What are lip injections? A hyaluronic acid (this
is a naturally occurring acid found in our bodies) gel particle is injected
into the lips with a needle. This unique gel particle can help to create lift
and structure, while also building volume. Since this is an injection there are
comfort measures like numbing agents, that can easily be applied before your
treatment.
2.)
How many syringes will I need to purchase?
Everyone’s anatomy is different, and what your lips may be able to hold without
looking overfilled may be very different than someone else. Average amount that
I typically see is usually around 1-1.5 syringes. Note however, that some
fillers are on-label to use as many as 3 syringes in one lip to be
fully-corrected. Each patient is different. Your practitioner should be able to
give you an estimate before your procedure. Also keep in mind that you can start out small, and add more later if you desire to do so.
3.)
How much do lip injections cost? Typically
syringes range anywhere from $400-$600 each/1ML. (Prices are different amongst different
demographics). Seems pricey, right? Before you go looking for a bargain, I will
beg you to PLEASE steer clear from spas that offer anything drastically lower
than this price point. Often times you can find a “deal” or groupon and I would
highly advise against doing this. This is not to say that every spa/practice
being offered on groupon or living social is not legitimate, but you should be
aware of the reasons why they might be able to offer a lower price point. It is
not unusual that in those practices you may have a very inexperienced injector
that can actually cause you harm if you are treated incorrectly. Another reason
you could be getting such a “deal” is because the spa/practice could be
importing product from a foreign country for a cheaper purchasing price.
Importing is not safe, and it is illegal. Imported product is sometimes fake,
expired, and/or diluted. Not to mention, there is no telling where the product
may be prepared and/or packaged- think bathtubs. I'm serious. If someone is willing to take that type of
risk on their patients to save a buck, they do not have your health or best interest at heart.
Cosmetic treatments can unfortunately be expensive and an investment, but with
that comes guaranteed authentic product, safe technique, and your desired
outcome.
4.)
How often do I need to be injected? Lip fillers
have an on-label guarantee of a 6-month duration. Again, everyone is different
and some people metabolize product faster than others- give or take a few
months.
5.)
How much down time will I need if I get lip
injections? Complete swelling reduction usually resides within a week. I would
advise to be injected on a day that you will be able to have some downtime for
at least 2-3 days post-injection. With regular intervals of icing, and taking
arnica prior to a treatment (natural supplement for inflammation found at
health food stores) you can greatly reduce your down time. You can also
slightly camouflage swollen lips with concealer and nude lip colors.
6.)
What if I don’t like my lip injections? Does
this mean I’m stuck with them for 6 months? No! Filler is fortunately a
treatment that can be easily reversed almost immediately. But go the right
injector, and I guarantee you won’t be reversing the treatment because you’ll
love it so much!
7.)
Where do I go? I would go to someone that is a
well-known and experienced practitioner in your area. You can check websites
like healthgrades.com for specific rankings on physicians. Often times highly
ranked physicians also have experienced nurse injectors that will take care of
you with an equal level of quality. Another option is asking your friends/family
where they go, as I think referrals are always good. You can also come and see
us at Hobgood Facial Plastic Surgery, we would love to have you! <Info
provided below>.
I hope this was informative as I
know it is a lot of information to absorb! If you have any other questions,
please feel free to comment, or message me as I am happy to help you. Aesthetic
treatment options don’t have to be scary, ridiculous, or obvious. Above all
else, remember that they are your right! Whether you choose to divulge your
information like Kylie did or not is completely up to you, and your procedures
and treatments are completely protected by law (HIPPA). Be true to you and the things you do. The enhancements you desire are yours for the taking- and that’s a beautiful
thing.
Visit us, or call for appointments at:
Hobgood Facial Plastic Surgery
Scottsdale, AZ
480.214.9955
ToddHobgood.com
Be well,
Annabelle
