I think one syringe should do you quite nicely. I wouldn't go for more than that, especially if it's your first time. Here's my experience and I have included some photos for you.
I've been getting my lips (and botox) done for somewhere around five years now. The first time I had Restylane which lasted maybe about four months? (I honestly can't even remember now) The second time I had Perlane which at that time was supposed to be the new thing - better than Restylane. I think I got six months out of that. I have had Juvederm every single time since then. For me, I find that it lasts a good 10+ months. I last had it done in the middle of December 2011 and I will probably not have any more added until I am due for another Botox appointment at the end of November. Even then, as with last time, I will have probably half the syringe put in my lips and the other half in my naso-labial folds. Just enough to take any "shadow" that creeps in when you least expect it. $hit happens at 45, you know? I used to get a full syringe in my lips but I find now over time, I only need a "top up" to keep their fullness and shape. I always have a local anaesthetic placed to numb both my upper and lower lips, and of course all the surrounding tissues in the process - including my nose. It's just a local so it does wear off in about an hour. Trust me, when you are having 10-11 separate injections in your lips, you want to be frozen. It is most uncomfortable to have the needle in the one spot you aren't quite frozen. No pain, no gain though! Personally, I think if you aren't completely frozen and you can feel the needle a bit it leads to more bruising. This is only my theory, but I think if you stiffen up due to feeling the needle, you bruise. I only ice my mouth for about 20 minutes after the injections. Yes you will be more puffy when you first look in the mirror but I think it has more to do with having a mouth and lips full of lidocaine as opposed to the actual filler. You may or may not bruise. I do unfortunately and I have gotten in the habit of asking the Dr. to change the needle halfway through the procedure. I know, maybe it's all in my head but I feel personally that I don't bruise nearly as much when the needle is changed. Here's the thing, when you are having a filling or something done, you don't get 10 injections. Even if you are hard to freeze, the Dentist will often ask for another syringe. Personally I think they dull after a few injections but again, that's just my humble opinion (and one from someone working in Dentistry for 23 years). It might be a good idea if you don't take any aspirin the day before your appointment as it does thin the blood and MAY make you bruise more easily. I wish it was one needle for the top and one for the bottom and it all just squished into place but not so. I often have 8 or more separate injections to get the desired look. You may find for the first few weeks your lips feel a little bit lumpy in spots. It's normal, and it's probably just at the injection sites and it will go away. Also, the first few days you will feel like your lips are really stiff, like you can't get them around a straw without them feeling like they're pulling a little bit. You may have to cut down on blowing kisses to everyone for a few days. Once you've had it done, you'll know what I mean. Be mindful not to squeeze your lips or press them hard against something. It's not painful to do so but it is uncomfortable. Again, this goes away after a few days to a week or so. Everybody is different and everyone has a different experience.
Lots of luck to anyone having it done. I see nothing wrong with a little bit of help here and there.
If I can give anyone else a little advice on fillers and things like Botox it's this....
Don't tell anyone you're getting it done. Everyone has their haterz and they all seem to come out when you get a little medical rejuvenation done. They want to know what are you doing that for? It's going to look stupid. Are you going to have Lisa Rinna lips? How vain. I liked your lips before. Why are putting that poison into your body? Your lips are going to stretch out when you stop getting it done. See? I told you not to get it done. Wow, you're really bruised. Blah Blah de Frigging Blah. You know? Just stay mum and let them guess at what's different about you. You're doing for yourself anyways, right?
I've had people tell me that I have nice lips and I don't need filler or that I must get such a small amount put in. *If they only knew*
The first picture is of my lips (au naturel) before I started.
The second picture is of my lips after my first treatment with Juvederm. *one full syringe*
The third picture is of my lips as they looked 20minutes ago when I took this picture.
There is a 3 or 4 year time lapse between the first two photos and the last one.
I'm sorry I don't know why my pictures are always so BIG!
i only added1 ml because i wanted a natural look but i am very happy.
+1
