Lip Filler Journey: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of Enhancing Your Pout

In recent years, lip fillers have become a major beauty trend, often seen on celebrities like Kylie Jenner, and it’s easy to understand why. Lip fillers can enhance your natural lip shape, create a more youthful appearance, or simply give you that perfect pout. However, like any cosmetic procedure, there are plenty of things to consider before jumping in, including the different types of lip enhancements available, where to get them done, and the pros and cons of lip fillers.

In this blog, I’ll share my personal experience with lip fillers, dive into the different techniques available, and talk about how you can even make it into a fun little getaway—whether you’re venturing abroad or simply indulging in a local beauty trip in your own country.

Where Can You Get Lip Fillers?

Lip fillers are performed worldwide, with popular destinations including the UK, Turkey, the USA, and parts of Europe. In countries like Turkey, the procedure is often more affordable, which has made it a go-to for many individuals seeking a cosmetic getaway. However, if you're not looking to fly out for the procedure, many cities and even small towns offer qualified beauty professionals who can perform the treatment.

A local “lip filler weekend” could be a fun way to add a boost of beauty while enjoying a short staycation. Think of it as a relaxing weekend where you get pampered and take a break from your usual routine. Whether it’s in London or a smaller town like mine in North Essex, you can enjoy a relaxing trip combined with a visit to your trusted beauty injector.

Different Types of Lip Filler Techniques

There are several popular types of lip filler techniques that are gaining traction, each offering a unique way to achieve the ideal lip shape. Let’s take a look at some of them:

1. Russian Lips
   One of the most popular styles is the Russian Lip, known for its elegant, flat, and full look. The technique involves injecting the filler in a way that creates a raised cupid’s bow and a fuller top lip. The goal is to avoid the over-plumped side profile, resulting in a more sophisticated, natural look. This technique allows for a fuller surface area and is ideal for those who prefer a slightly less pronounced bulge on the side of the lips but still want to achieve a plumper, defined shape.

2. Butterfly Lips
   Butterfly Lips are designed to give a soft, lifted appearance with more volume towards the outer corners of the lips, creating a subtle "butterfly" shape. This method is perfect for those who want a more contoured look with a less dramatic effect than the Russian lips technique. The aim is to enhance the natural curvature of the lips while giving them a youthful, lifted look.

3. Pouty Lips
   If you're aiming for the bold, voluminous pouty look, then Pouty Lips may be your best bet. This method focuses on plumping up both the upper and lower lips, creating a more rounded, fuller appearance. While it’s more noticeable, it still offers a natural result if done properly by an experienced practitioner.

My Personal Experience with Lip Fillers

I was eager to jump on the Kylie Jenner-inspired lip filler bandwagon. At first, I found the idea of having plumper lips irresistible—it seemed like the perfect way to enhance my look and give my lips some extra height and definition. However, I wanted to avoid that bulbous side profile that often comes with extreme lip filler injections. After doing some research, I opted for Russian Lips, which involve filling the cupid’s bow upwards, giving a more natural lift without that noticeable protrusion. I preferred the fuller surface area as it allowed me to wear lip gloss and lip kits without worrying about it dribbling down my chin or struggling to speak properly.

Living in a small town in North Essex and after hours of research, I finally found someone who seemed like the right fit. She was an ex-nurse turned beauty injector, and to my surprise, she also owned the house I had bought, which I had no idea about until I visited her for the first time. It felt like a strange twist of fate. Choosing someone local I could trust was important to me, and I was so relieved to have found her. She offered affordable treatments, making it an easy decision, and I felt confident in her expertise.

The procedure itself wasn’t insane or unbearable. It was somewhat uncomfortable, but it didn’t take long to complete, and the results were definitely worth it. I started with 1ml of filler, then went back for 0.8ml more because I loved the swollen, full look during the healing process. I can confidently say I would definitely do it again.

One of the best things about lip fillers is the clear definition it gives to your lips, making makeup application smoother and more defined. Even as I near 40, I love how this simple procedure has given me that added confidence. Of course, I didn’t go overboard—I made sure to keep it natural yet noticeable. And while the swelling after the procedure can be tempting to increase, it's important not to overdo it. The key is moderation.

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of Lip Fillers

While lip fillers can be a fantastic way to boost your appearance, they come with their own set of pros and cons. Here’s a quick breakdown:

The Good:

• Immediate results with no downtime

• Customisable to suit your preferred lip shape and size

• Can enhance makeup application and lip definition

• Natural-looking results when done correctly

• Quick and relatively painless procedure

The Bad:

• Temporary results, meaning you’ll need touch-ups every 6-12 months

• Swelling and bruising in the first few days after the procedure

• Results can vary depending on the injector's skill

• There’s always the risk of overfilling or unsatisfactory results if not done correctly

The Ugly:

• If overdone, lips can become disproportionate or unnatural

• Cheap, unqualified practitioners can lead to complications and undesirable results

• There’s always a risk of allergic reactions or infection

In Conclusion:

Lip fillers can be a great way to enhance your natural beauty, but it’s important to research and choose a qualified practitioner. Whether you’re looking for a slight enhancement or something more dramatic, there are various techniques to help you achieve your desired look.

And remember, if you're considering lip fillers, make it an experience—whether it's a local visit to a trusted professional or turning it into a fun beauty getaway. If you’re looking for a trusted team to help plan a lips weekend or to talk about your options, feel free to reach out to the Journawell team. We offer personalised support and can help you plan your beauty experience with confidence.