1. choosing the right practice is crucial
At first, I thought it was enough if the practice had good Google reviews or was present on social media. But I quickly realized that good reviews do not automatically mean medical expertise or experience. It is important that the procedure is carried out by a doctor or a suitably qualified specialist – ideally one who specializes in aesthetic medicine.
You should not be afraid to ask specifically for certificates, further training or before and after pictures. A good practice will be transparent and open with this information. An initial consultation can also say a lot about professionalism and seriousness. I have learned that the practice you trust should not only look good, but also give you a real sense of security.
2. the consultation should be individual, honest and at eye level
I had my first consultation at BellaDerma – and was really pleasantly surprised. Instead of just asking me how “full” I would like it to be, my facial features and my wishes were taken into consideration. The specialist took a lot of time to explain to me honestly what would suit my type – and also what she would advise me against.
That gave me a lot of confidence. It wasn’t a sales pitch, but a genuine consultation at eye level. A good practice not only shows you options, but also helps you to develop realistic and aesthetically coherent goals. Looking back, I’m glad I listened to the expert’s recommendation – she had a better view of the big picture.
3. it hurts more than I thought – but it is bearable
I have often heard that Lip injections are virtually painless. This statement was not entirely true for me. I found the punctures in the upper lip particularly unpleasant – despite the anesthetic ointment. The feeling can best be compared to burning and pricking.
It’s not a bad pain, but it’s not completely harmless either. If you are very sensitive, you should be prepared for this. It helped me to breathe consciously beforehand and not to tense up. The pain only lasts a few minutes, but it’s good to be mentally prepared for the fact that it’s not entirely without pain, especially the first time.
4. the swelling afterwards – completely normal and temporary
Immediately after the procedure, my face did not immediately appear “fresh and naturally fuller”, but rather as if I had kissed a bee. Especially the next morning, the swelling was worse than I had expected. It was a little tight and felt unfamiliar – almost as if my lips didn’t quite belong to me for a moment.
However, this reaction is completely normal and, above all, temporary. Many people underestimate this phase, but it is simply part of the process. After 2-3 days, the swelling had gone down considerably in my case. After about a week, I felt that I could properly assess the final result.
My tip for anyone who is having their lips injected for the first time: It’s best to plan a few days buffer time – simply so that you can relax and look forward to the result.
5. bruising is possible – plan ahead
I had small but visible bruises at the puncture sites after the procedure. Even though it wasn’t bad, it was difficult to conceal with lipstick – and I didn’t want to kiss anyone for the first few days anyway.
So my tip: plan the appointment so that you don’t have any important events for a few days afterwards. Also avoid blood-thinning medication such as aspirin or ibuprofen before the procedure – this can reduce the risk of hematomas. A little Arnica ointment can also help with healing, but you shouldn’t expect miracles.
6. less is more – really!
I wanted full lips, but not a “duckface” look. However, I was almost too enthusiastic during the consultation – and wanted more than was necessary. Fortunately, my practitioner advised me against it and injected a small amount first.
This restraint was absolutely right. After healing, my lips looked natural but more defined – exactly what I wanted. It’s much easier to inject a little more next time than to correct an overdone result. An overfilled look is rarely aesthetically pleasing and can change your entire facial expression.
7. the shelf life is very individual – and sometimes shorter than expected
I was told that the hyaluronic acid lasts about 6 months. In my case, after about 4 months I could already see a clear reduction – especially at the edges of the lips. This is because factors such as metabolism, exercise, diet and the product used have a big influence on the shelf life.
It is worth asking for products that have been specially developed to last longer. So-called “build-up sessions” can also help to achieve a more permanent result. But: Hyaluron is always broken down – that is part of the concept.
Conclusion: Lip injections – yes, but with realistic expectations and good preparation
I don’t regret the procedure – on the contrary. My lips look more defined and I feel more comfortable with them. But if I had known all these things beforehand, I would have approached the procedure in a much more relaxed and realistic way. Lip injections are no drama – but neither are they a simple “prick with an instant glossy effect”.
If you take the time to choose the right practice, have an honest consultation and consciously prepare for the healing phase, you will be more satisfied in the end. And above all: less is often really more.
One final tip:
I can recommend BellaDerma in Berlin. They work very professionally and with a lot of sensitivity – especially if you want natural results and not exaggerated “Instagram lips”.
