Okay so I’m pretty open about getting lip fillers and Botox. I share my experience on IG and receive lots of questions via DM so here it is, all your questions you may ever have answered in one place YAY! Also – I’m doing a giveaway with The Skin Center over on IG for a FREE BOTOX TREATMENT, so GO ENTER!

Let’s get into it..

Where do you go for your services?

I go to the Skin Center Medical Spa for both my lip injections and Botox! They have a ton of locations in Pittsburgh and some in Ohio. I’m always happy whenever I leave there and LOVE my nurse, Jill. She’s the best and understands the look that I want to achieve. I go to the Mt. Lebo location but like I said, they’re all over the city. Oh and they’re also currently ranked as the #1 medical spa in Pennsylvania and Ohio.  And, for three consecutive years have earned the rank of “Top Ten” in the nation by Allergan, Inc. (the makers of Botox®).

If you don’t live in Pittsburgh or Ohio, look into some places where you live and really take thought into where you go. Look up the nurses and see if they post before and after photos on social media. You want to be able to see their work before you go there. After all it is your face.

Botox

How much does it cost?

Botox cost is per unit. At the skin center, they charge only $10 a unit for first timers. Usually the average cost is anywhere from $10-$15 a unit.

Where did you get it and how much did you get?

My forehead and in between my eyes! Total I got 29 units. I hate forehead wrinkles so much! Especially when my makeups sits in them. Not a good look!

Does it hurt?

Not. At. All. I was talking while it was happening and literally said, “wow that was it.” It really is the easiest and quickest treatment Ive ever experienced and there is no down time.

How long does it last/ how often do you get them done?

Botox usually lasts anywhere 3-6 months depending on the person, so it is something you will need to keep up with if you want to continue to see results. If you do not want to keep up with it, you just stop.. Nothing happens and that area will just go back to what it was before the treatment.

How long until you see results?

After about 5-7 days the effects of Botox start to work but it could take up to 2 weeks.

How old are you and Why did you get Botox so young?

I’m 24 years old. Did I NEED Botox? No. But I wanted to try it and now I’m obsessed lol. For us younger people, Botox not only eliminates the appearance of winkles but it also is preventative at forming new ones. Think about it, if your forehead can’t move to show wrinkles and fine lines because of the Botox, it’s also going to prevent the ones you’ve previously had from getting deeper.

To learn more about Botox or to find the answer to any questions I did not address, you can head to the Skin Center’s website here and learn more!

 

Lip Fillers

What type of filler do you use?

I’ve always have used Juvederm and loved it. There are all different kids of Juvederm. For example, Juvederm Ultra, Ultra Plus, Vollure, etc. Talk to your nurse/doctor to find which is best for you and the look that you want to achieve. The first time 2 times I got my lips done, I used Juvederm Ultra. However, Jill and I found that instead of the filler sitting up on my lips, it was sitting out, kind of like the duck lip look (also not cute). So the 3rd time I got them done we tried Juvederm Vollure (a little more pricey) but it’s perfect!!

How many times have you got them done and how much do you have?

I’ve had a total of 3 sessions at the Skin Center. I got a full syringe on July 21st, 2017 and then went back in December 2017 to get about 1/4 a syringe more. Then went back May 22, 2018 and got another full syringe. So about 6 months a piece. For me it was really about shaping them. Over time, Jill helped shape my lips and create a super natural looking cupids bow that I didn’t have before. Check it out down there! I’m now super happy with the shape and am glad if they go down, the shape will still be there.

How much does it cost? What is the average cost for Pittsburgh? 

The cost is determined by syringe. At the Skin center, a syringe of Juvederm starts at $675 but is $100 off your first treatment if you mention me! I’ve found the average starting cost is anywhere  from $500-$800.

Does it hurt? What kind of pain is it?

Um yes and no. Before you get injected they will numb your lips with a numbing gel so that it doesn’t hurt. It’s just kind of uncomfortable during the injection process. You can feel the needle but it doesn’t hurt, it’s just kind of uncomfortable and a little gross if you ask me but very little pain. On a scale of 1-10, i’d give it a 6.

Okay so that night hurts the worst I’m not going to lie, pain is up to an 7. Once the numbing cream wears off they will hurt, it feels like a swollen pain. If you lightly put an ice pack on them (you don’t want to press hard on your lips because the filler can move) it helps and chapstick. LOTS OF CHAPSTICK!! Think about it, your lips are getting injected so they’re physically getting bigger. The top layer of skin on your lips will peel. It’s not as weird as it sounds though, it just like dry lips so chapstick is needed. I go to sleep early that night, wake up and it literally feels like nothing happened I’m not kidding. Your lips will be swollen though for a couple of days after so don’t plan anything important. Everyone heels differently though so keep that in mind.

Oh! Another thing. The night of the injections DON’T put your lips in the form of how you would suck a straw. I mean, try it and then you’ll never try it again. It hurts SO BAD. So no straws or sucking anything.

Is there downtime?

No, not really. Don’t workout for 24 hours. I really do recommend staying in that night though and taking it easy if it’s your first time. Plus the first time you will most likely swell so you may not want to be in public lol.

How long do they last?

Lip filler lasts about 6-9 months.

Have you ever used your own fat for the injections? I heard that lasts longer.

Lol no. The Skin Center does not recommend that for lips. They do offer fat injections in other areas of the face but it’s a surgical procedure and who wants that??

Do they recommend how big to make them?

Omg absolutely! It’s suggested to go in for a consultation first. If you head the above answers, you know that Jill and I worked together on what works for me, so find a good provider!

Is there anything you can do leading up to your lip injections that can combat/stop swelling?

Pineapple juice before hand helps reduce swelling!! If you want other recommendations, just as whoever you schedule with.

Do you find it addicting?

UM.. Botox yes. It’s the best though and like I mentioned, is preventative. I look at it as a part of my skin care routine, much like how you would at face wash lol. Lip filler I don’t personally think is as addicting but I also feel like I don’t look good with too big of lips so I think if I did, I’d want more does that make sense?

Are there sizes of injections?

No. Just measured by unit in a syringe.

How long until you see results?

Immediately.

To learn more about Lip fillers or to find the answer to any questions I did not address, you can head to the Skin Center’s website here and learn more!