Why I Love Cheek Filler (& Other Injectables)

There’s so much stigma around injectables, so let’s chat about it.

Here’s what I get: Botox for fine lines around eyes and forehead, Juvederm Ultra XC for plump, smooth lips and Juvederm Voluma for loss of volume in cheeks.

I’ve been getting lip filler for four years now, Botox for two years and I just started cheek filler last summer and wanted to share a detailed post on what’s what, how often I get it and of course, before and after photos.

My Experience with Lip Filler (in the beginning)

When I first wanted lip filler, I’m not going to lie–Kylie Jenner’s lips were outta control and I was kind of here for it. While I didn’t want super plump lips for myself, it got me thinking how a couple tweaks could really help me feel more feminine and youthful. My lips have always been sort of wrinkly and I wanted to smooth and slightly plump them with a little more definition around my cupids bow.

My first two years getting filler, I started out getting very little both to not alter my lips too much or too quickly–and save money. So I’d buy one syringe, use half in one appointment and wait 6-7 months then inject the second half into my lips.

My Lip Filler Goals Now

Now that I’ve been getting lip fillers for a while and found my very best injectionist in Terry Selgo at Urban You, I learned a lot about lip shape and what I wanted at first and what I get now are very different things. Now, I’m comfortable using a full syringe (but I only go once a year now!) and we use the filler to not only plump and smooth my lips, but to create a more defined cupids bow in my top lip.

You can see in the two photos below from 2014, that I didn’t have much shape in that top lip and no philtrum definition. By building up the philtrum definition, it pulls up my top lip in a natural way instead of having duck lips. You can also see how cheek filler has given me more definition too.

Lip Filler FAQs

Like I said, now I get my lip filler, Juvederm Ultra XC, about once a year and I get the whole syringe, but not all goes directly into my lips, some goes into the philtrum columns and some goes into my nasolabial folds to soften them.

Does it hurt? Fuck yes it does. And you do get numbing cream put over your lips and you can additionally numb it with ice and distract the pokes with different tools and devices like the vibration anesthesia device (I guess that’s what it’s called?) Basically you can hold this tool below your chin to distract you from the pokes and pains of filler on your face. All of this helps, but it STILL HURTS. I have some friends who don’t think it’s that bad, but for me it is super painful (and always worth it.)

Do you bruise and swell? I generally bruise pretty easily and I felt like when I first got it done I was more swollen and more bruised, but it’s not too bad. Usually takes about three, maybe four days for bruising and swelling to go down. Don’t freak out if you lips are swollen, bruised or look uneven–give it a few days!

How long does it last? Juvederm lip fillers can last up to 8 months or so and I find that I can go longer between appointments now (maybe it’s because I’ve been getting filler for so long now?)

Is it expensive? Yes, it is very expensive, but I’m vain and I prioritize my face so it is what it is. I’d rather get my face injected then go on a vacation and it’s the sacrifice I make! The cost is around $575 and you can watch for medical spa sales and specials–my trusted medical spa, Urban You, has a few specials sprinkled throughout the year and it’s where I’ve gone for three years and trust their sales!

Can you feel it in your lips? Sometimes I the filler has created little lumps and bumps in my lips for a day or two, and then it goes away and feels like my lip again.

My Goals with Botox

Botox treats facial creases and wrinkles by essentially temporarily paralyzing the muscle which helps wrinkles and fine lines soften or disappear.

I get botox two to three times a year. Botox takes up to two weeks to take effect and lasts just three or so months so you have to wait to see the full results–no instant gratification like with filler and then it fades quicker too.

Since I have just a few fine lines and a muscle between my brows that protrudes to make me appear angry, I don’t get it as often as someone who really wants to conceal fine lines and wrinkles more, but I did get Botox last time to treat my crows feet that I’ve noticed developing.

People love to tell me I don’t need Botox because I don’t have wrinkles–well this is my preventative measure! If you start Botox when you start noticing fines lines, they won’t develop into deep wrinkles. Of course, I incorporate a thoughtful skincare regimen to help with this too, but Botox smooths  out my forehead muscle and that’s something no skincare product can do!

I usually get around 20 units of Botox in my forehead for around $10-$12 per unit so it does add up, but doesn’t usually cost me as much compared to filler.

See below for two photos from six or so years ago of my lips:

 My lips now:

My Experience with Cheek Filler

I never quite considered cheek filler until I saw in person how big of a difference it made in my friend Ashley. It instantly gave her face a boost! I started noticing the loss of volume in my cheeks about a year ago and decided to try one syringe of Voluma.

At this first appointment, I realized how asymmetrical my face is due to sleeping on primarily one side at night. Last time and this time with Lynda at the Northville Urban You, she injected slightly more in the left side of my face.

My Cheek Filler Goals

My goal is to always restore the loss of volume in my cheeks, which also gives my whole face a lift! I’m still using one syringe of Voluma which works perfectly. Since cheek filler is newer to my routine, I’m still learning more about it and how long it actually lasts since Voluma lasts longer than other Juvederm fillers (up to a year!)

Cheek Filler FAQs

Does it hurt? Cheeks don’t hurt at all in my experience. There’s an odd crunchy sound that the needle makes it when it pokes your skin that’s more bothersome.

Do you bruise and swell? I had a bruise last year but no bruises or swelling that I noticed this time!

How long does it last? Juvederm Voluma can last 12-24 months.

Is it expensive? The cost for this is more than lip filler, around $900 for a syringe but it lasts much longer.

Can you feel it in your face? I could feel a couple little bumps on my face after the appointment and for a day or two, and now it feels just like my cheeks again!

 Before is above and after is below, right after Voluma was injected into my cheeks. Subtle differences, but you can see less shadowing on my face Thank you to the Urban You for sponsoring this post–all thoughts and opinions are my own! A huge thank you to Lynda who was so wonderful to meet and who injected the cheek filler for me in Northville. Highly recommend Lynda and Terry for injections!