1 year post-op lip lift rollercoaster ride! Hope for those who are afraid

This one will be long, but I'm writing this in hopes it helps someone who's in a dark place right now.

1 year ago I finally got a lip lift, something I'd been dreaming of for a long time. I hade used filler for years, and before the fillers I measured at 2cm (with fillers & right before the procedure it was 1,8 cm).



I visited 3 doctors before choosing HD Clinic in Lisbon. From the beginning I wanted a "dramatic change", the doctor suggested only 5mm, though I asked for even 9mm. My surgeon refused any more than 7mm. She said it's the max she agrees to remove.



The surgery went great, I was comforatable the whole time, so nothing to be afraid there. Also the pain after was non-existent. I took 0 pain killers.



The reason I'm writing this now, and what I wanted to share was, that the next 3, even 5 months were complete HELL, not physically, but mentally. I was 100% sure I've made a massive mistake. That too much was removed & I didn't research it well enough. I went into a dark place, a deep depression.. ashamed, dissapointed, embarrased, mostly just hopeless. I felt stupid and would not stop beating myself for it.



Many people on this forum helped me during that time, and I want to send a HUGE thank you to everyone who took time to write to me or send me e-mails. The only reson I'm writing right now is because you inspired me. You got me through the hardest parts. Thank you.



Back to the end of last year. I could not leave the house for months. I was desperately scrolling Real Self for even 1 example that I could find hope in, someone who still looked "[RS bleep]" at 2 months, but ended up ok.



And not to make this too long, I'm now one of those people who ended up OK. My recovery was much longer than 3 months, more like 6 months. Only at a YEAR of recovery I can fully say that the surgery was a success. So if you get too inside your head after 1 week, 2 months or even 5, just know there's hope & don't try to judge the results before 6 months.



I actually still hated the results at 5 months. Right now I couldn't be happier with how I look. Yes I went the dramatic route, but my lips look exactly how I always dreamt of. I took a risk & it paid off. My face didn't change permanently, like I thought at month 2 or 3.



And to make this story even better. I'd been single for years at the time I got the lip lift. I swore that the next person I'd kiss with my "new" lips would be my next big love, ot boyfriend. No more [RS bleep] etc. And 1 week shy from a full year, I met someone really special & I've been enjoying kissing them with my designer lips.... :) I'm glad I waited. Time is your best friend when you're in middle of a tough recovery.



I fully recommend this surgery for anyone who's researched it & thought it through. Before you choose how much to get removed try to be aware of the proportions of your face. Do you have a long chin, or a long mid-face? How much tooth-show do you want? Everyone's face is different, so find photos of celebs with your face-shape? Editing tools don't really work, unfortuntely our anatomies aren't that simple.



Besided the long recovery and mental struggles, all went well. My scar has been a non-issue since the beginning. I used ointment on it for 2-3 months, but it has healed beautifully. My friends say it's pretty much invisible.



That's it! Big recommendation to HD Clinic, and my surgeon Danielle Brunalti. She was absolutely amazing & supportive. The whole clinic provided great care during and after the operation.