Fuller & More Symmetrical Lips. Bellevue, WA

I got lip injections to add volume to my lips as well as create a more symmetrical shape (the right side "pinched", the left was more rounded). I also wanted to have a little bit more top lip when I smiled. Thankfully, my doctor achieved all of the above for me. I already had a good lip shape and fullness, and I think that helped in my candidacy to achieve a natural look. Since this was my first time and I had no idea what to expect, I only got half a syringe (0.5 mL) of Juvederm Ultra Plus, which cost me $315.00. Supposedly, this is more firm than Juvederm Ultra.

My doctor used a cannula needle for the injections (not sure about the anesthetic). The injecting of the numbing agent was what hurt the most. I have a pretty high pain tolerance, and yowza, it hurt! He injected it into three areas, but it was over quickly, and the numbing began immediately. When he injected my lips with the Juvederm UP, I could feel the needle in my lip, but it didn't hurt at all. The whole process took about 45 minutes. The only thing that I had to eat before the procedure was a jam biscuit, and apparently you should eat a meal before doing this. I got hot, rush-headed and started to "brown out" and had to sit in their waiting area for about 10 minutes after nearly blacking out at the front desk when I was trying to pay. Not trying to scare anyone, but it definitely scared me so make sure you eat before the procedure!

I had ZERO bruising, which I believe can be attributed to the cannula needle. The swelling was minimal and seemed to go away within a couple of days. While I did talk a little funny, I went out into public the rest of the day like totally normal and didn't feel like some obvious plastic surgery [RS bleep]. I definitely dealt with some "lumps" and was constantly massaging my lips to try to get them to go away. It took about a week for my lips to feel normal. One area was pretty significant, which was the area with the most injected into it (top right), and was noticeable (kind of like a cold sore- no discoloration though). Three weeks later, I can still feel the bump, but it has gone down significantly. I knew that was expected, but I'll definitely chat with my doctor next time I get them done about avoiding that (perhaps it's because I got UP?). I also developed mysterious tiny white bumps along the top lip, but I don't know why nor what they were and they are now gone...

It is now three weeks post-procedure, and the swelling is all gone, and I feel as if my lips look the same size, just with slightly more volume and symmetrical. It is definitely a natural look, and not even my mother noticed. I'm so happy I did it, and I'm pretty sure this procedure is with me for life- I can't wait to get it again. Since I was wanting something a little bit more noticeable and significant, I will definitely be getting a full syringe next time as the half syringe wasn't quite enough. I really love Kylie Jenner's shape, which has been a work in progress, so that is what I would like to achieve over time.

For anyone in the area, I would definitely recommend Dr. George Baxter-Holder at SkinSpirit University Village and Bellevue. He is an artist, takes pride in his work, and your satisfaction is important to him. He was also completely pressure free.