Juvederm: Stories

I did a double whammy with botox on forehead and brow furrows and juvederm on nasolabial folds and a tad in my upper lip. I had initially planned on also getting tear ducts filled but chickened out after going through the other procedure. I still have one syringe left.

I was scared to death. I hate needles. I hate pain. I've been reading and reading and reading and researching for months. I wanted this badly but was scared, nervous, anxious...

I began taking Arnica supplements the morning of the proceedure. I chose the sublingual tablets for ease and speed. I also continued taking them for three days afterward.

So after discussing what I wanted done, the Dr. let me know that they use dental blocks. I was worried that would be extra trauma and would cause massive bruising and swelling. I was assured that if I didn't get the dental block, however, that I would be very sorry. I agreed and had 4 injections - two upper lip and two lower. She injected the botox while we waited for the dental blocks to take effect.

My main fear was side effects (bruising, swelling) and I prayed that the Arnica would help. I knew also that the injector made the most difference with that. No one must know I did this - work would certainly not understand and I must face clients daily. Husband must never know - he would be upset at the cost and the fact that I wanted/needed this done. The Dr. agreed that it was far better to be conservative and have to return for more than to overfill and look like I had had something done.

Now for what you really want to know. How was it?

While it didn't hurt, it was certainly weird and extremely uncomfortable. I did feel a little something as she neared my nose on both sides - just as she said I would. Apparently that area, even when a dental block is used, is just very sensitive.

The nasolabial folds took about 4 needle sticks on each side. After each injection she smoothed/massaged the area. It took about 20 minutes total for both nasolabial folds to be filled.

The upper lip was scary too. I had expressly stated several times that I only wanted a teeny bit of filling in the lip - I did not want it to be noticeable (Lisa Rhinna comes to mind). My bottom lip is fine and still full, but my upper lip had lost a bit of fullness and I just wanted it back the way it was without looking like I had pillow lips. She understood. The lip took about 4 injections and massaging after each. About 10 minutes total for the lip.

I actually had a little bit left in that syringe after all that was completed and she asked if I wanted it anywhere else. I was so done by then, though.

I was so nervous the entire time that I sweated profusely. (Even my butt sweated through my clothes and onto the paper cover on the exam table! - now that is nervous!)

I was given two ice packs and sat in my car for a while with the ice packs on. I did have some minor swelling, but no bruising. Not enough swelling for anyone to realize anything had been done, but enough for me to feel it. It took a few hours for the numbness to wear off. That was the oddest part really.

I had the proceedure done Friday afternoon. Today is Tuesday and I look completely normal, no bruising, no swelling (never had bruising, only a few needle pricks which were easily covered with makeup). Normal, but better. :-) I feel good. Confident. Younger. Happy. Best $700 I've ever spent!