So recently I got lip fillers done, I didn’t think it was a big deal. I wanted to do something for myself as it was my birthday, and I was feeling sorry for myself because Michael was on an expedition, and he would miss it.
It’s not something I was doing for anyone else, but I had been toying with the idea for a long time, before the days of Kylie Jenner. Lately, I must admit lip fillers have become more accessible and mainstream, so it was even less of a big deal.
My sister had also gotten hers done, and I loved the results her Doctor gave her, so I didn’t need to stress about ending up on botched or anything crazy like that. I didn’t do a whole lot of research about lip fillers, and I usually do things spur of the moment, so what was supposed to be just a consultation ended up being me getting fillers and botox.
I went to Dr. Raymond Haramis at the MediCape Clinic, and I will definitely be going back to him again. What I liked about him is that he asked me if I had a budget which I obviously did, there is nothing worse than being embarrassed about how much you have to spend and not saying anything and then ending up spending even more! He also wanted me to take things slow and not get everything done at the same time, which really proves he is all about the patient. My lip fillers cost was R3400 (180 USD) for one syringe of the Juvederm that lasts 9 months.
The procedure was super quick and virtually painless and much better than I had anticipated. I basically lay with a bright light shining on me, and he took all the makeup off my lip and forehead area (go without makeup to avoid that awkwardness!) He started with my botox which was just 6 needle pricks on my forehead which I hardly felt! Then for the lips, he put on a numbing cream first and then started injecting the Juvederm. He gave me a full syringe and injected some around my lips as well as inside. He did a bit around the sides as he explained I have quite a gummy smile, and he needed to push my lips down; otherwise, it would be even worse if I only got fillers inside my lips. I could feel the needle going in, and it was a bit uncomfortable but not painful in the least.
Getting lip fillers took about 10 minutes, and I was done, so its something you can do quickly and even go back to work again! My lips were a bit swollen, but I actually really liked them like that. They were slightly tender, and I did get one bruise at the bottom. He says bruises differ from person to person, and you might not even have any sometimes.
I didn’t intend to write a post about lip fillers, so sorry for the awful quality selfies in this post, but I think you can get the general idea. I absolutely love how they came out, and now that the swelling has gone down, I would want to put maybe half a syringe more in to get them to exactly where I want them to be.
My main objective was to get my lips to stand out from the side as well as having them a bit more defined, and they really are. The fillers I chose are the most expensive ones, and although they last only 9 months, they look a lot more natural with less side effects.
I asked him about lip fillers and botox versus plastic surgery, and he says that its definitely the way to go. Its easier, cheaper, and has better results, and I am all for it. There are some great things you can do with fillers like covering up acne scars and removing bags from under your eyes. The latter is something I would want to try next time I go in as I have seen online what a massive difference it can make.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask me in the comments below. Also, for those of you that are wondering, this is not in any way sponsored, and I paid for everything 😛.
Jessica Redman
Makeup Expert & Manicurists, Contributing Editor
Jessica is a writer who feels it is a job requirement to own every shade of nail polish. She thinks any bad day can be improved by a trip to Sephora–provided there aren't 10 people giving themselves makeovers, in front of the new lipsticks.
