The New Lip Journey 💋

Toying with the idea of a little lip augmentation but worried about looking “ducky”? Relax—lips can be done very tastefully when approached the right way.

There are a few key things to consider, starting with finding an injector who is genuinely passionate about their craft and someone you can communicate with easily. You may have a vision in mind, but it’s my job to assess your anatomy, understand how different products behave in the lips, and then blend those two perspectives into the best possible outcome. Getting your lips just right is truly a team sport.

When I assess first-time lip patients, my very first question is always: “What are you hoping for?” Are you craving volume, or are you simply looking for hydration and a soft refresh? From there, the gears start turning as I decide which filler will work best. Some hyaluronic acid fillers offer more structure for crisp borders, others are soft and fluffy for a plush pout. Some are ultra-stretchy and flexible, while others are firmer and longer-lasting. Each has its place.

Next, we look at your native lips. Does your upper lip have a little swoop, like a ski jump? Are there defined points in your cupid’s bow, or is it more tubular? Does your upper lip disappear when you smile big? Are your lips more raisin-like, or closer to a gently inflated prune? (Yes, we’re going there 😄.) We can absolutely enhance the lips you were born with—but there are limits. You can’t put monster tires on a Prius and expect it to look like a Tesla. These details all guide my final filler choice.

After a thorough conversation, cleansing, and topical anesthesia, we get to work creating a wow lip. Whether you’re aiming for va-voom or just a subtle upgrade, there’s a moment when I hand you the mirror and—almost without fail—first-timers gasp.

Inside your head you’re thinking, “OMG…they’re big. Maybe this was a mistake.” That’s when I calmly talk you off the ledge. Some of what you’re seeing is filler, and some of it is inflammation from the needle pokes. I know that one syringe is only 1/5 of a teaspoon, and I know exactly how much I placed—but to a lip newbie, the change can feel dramatic.

Then comes my gentle warning: “Later tonight or tomorrow morning, you’ll probably be more swollen. What feels big now may feel ginormous. Don’t panic—the swelling will come down. And chances are, once it does, you’ll wish they were just a tiny bit more swollen.”

Over the first 2–4 weeks, hyaluronic acid filler naturally attracts water (up to 1,000 times its molecular weight). During this phase, you might notice irregularities or even small lumps—especially if your tongue starts investigating. Please leave them alone. Squishing, massaging, or manipulating the lips can worsen swelling or shift filler from where it was carefully placed. At around 14 days, if there’s a visible lump that’s driving you absolutely nuts, reach out—we’re happy to help.

Be extra kind to your lips during the early healing phase. Skip old lipstick or gloss until the needle entry points have healed. And while I love enthusiasm, don’t overuse your new lips right away—this includes straw sucking, referee-level whistling, oral extracurriculars, or drug paraphernalia like bong use 😬. Give yourself 4–5 days of rest…but feel free to admire them in the mirror as much as you want.

Once you get used to having fuller lips, you may find you don’t want to go without them. Everyone breaks down filler at a different rate, so longevity varies—but for those who love hydrated, juicy lips, plan on a refresh about every 6 months. First-time lips often don’t last quite that long, but think of it as building a foundation—the house only gets stronger from there. 💄✨

Is this conversation helpful so far?