This week was SXSW in Austin, TX and I went to a beauty event hosted by RealSelf which focused on modern beauty treatments. One of the treatments I received was Restylane to plump up my lips and add volume to my cheekbones…sort of a liquid lift with filler. I also had Dysport, similar to Botox, injected into my forehead to reduce those fine lines and wrinkles. I started getting Botox in my 20’s and now 30’s. so this isn’t new to me. But, I’ve never tried Dysport, so I was excited. I love anything anti-aging.
Next week I will talk about the difference between Juvederm, Volbella, and Restylane because I’m sure you want to know. I’ve already answered your botox questions, but next week, I will answer the difference between Botox vs. Dysport. For now, though, I want to show you what my dermal fillers and frown line stopping injections did to my face right after the injections, and a few days later, so you know what to expect if you decide to get some yourself.
HOW MUCH RESTYLANE FILLER I HAD INJECTED
Since I am 36, my face is starting to see a little bit of loss with collagen and elastin and you can see that in my cheek area with volume. So, my fantastic injector suggested adding Restylane into my cheekbone area to help add some lift to my face. Also, she could tell that I clench my jaw at night because my jawline is rather prominent. She said that, in general, cheekbones should be more prominent than the jawline to have a softer, more oval shape face shape. Unfortunately, my jawline was more prominent than my cheekbones…so, adding the Restylane was going to help give my face back the balance it was missing.
In addition to my cheekbones, I had my lips injected with Restylane. I’ve had this beauty treatment done a million times, but, it seems like injectors usually only give me 1/2 a vile which honestly isn’t enough. After you get your lips injected, they will swell up and then they will go down about 50%. The last time I had my lips injected, I loved the way they look right after injections and then it went away after a week or so. My point is, I just told my injector to do her thing and add as much Restylane that she thought would be good. She told me that “lips were her specialty” which made me happy. Believe it or not, having an injector that is also really good as sculpting the face is essential for having the results you want.
In the end my friends, I had two viles of Restylane injected into my face. One vile of Restylane costs around $800 depending on where you go, your location, and the experience of your injector.
HOW MUCH DYSPORT I HAD INJECTED
This was my first time getting Dysport injected into my face to soften the furrow, fine lines, and wrinkles on my forehead. It was pretty straight forward as far as injections go and felt exactly as if I was getting Botox. They are similar products and have the same end goal; to relax your face.
I had 50 units of Dysport injected into my forehead area. Dysport costs $4-$8 a unit, but you typically need more units than Botox. So, as far as costs go, Botox and Dysport are rather comparable. I received around $400 in Dysport.
WHAT I LOOKED LIKE RIGHT AFTER GETTING RESTYLANE IN MY LIPS AND CHEEKBONES
Right after I had my lips and cheeks injected with Restylane, I swelled up a ton and looked like an alien. In fact, walking out of the SXSW Real Beauty event and picking up my car from the valet at the Van Zant was 99% embarrassing. I was trying to explain to the poor guy getting my vehicle that my face just got injected at a beauty event which is why my lips were half the size of my face and my cheekbones so snatched I look like Maleficent.
Anyways, he just looked at me like I was a nut job and said, “cool.”
Getting fillers injected into your face will cause you to swell up, and the more that is injected, the more swelling you will have. So, I would refrain from planning any major events like a wedding, pictures, gala, etc. around getting face injections and give yourself at least a week (maybe two) to heal up.
As far as Dysport goes, I didn’t have any swelling or bruising.
HOW LONG DOES THE SWELLING LAST AFTER RESTYLANE?
The day after my injections I was extremely swollen. Almost like I got stung by a bee and had a reaction. Unfortunately for myself, I had to go to church the very next day (if you know me, you know I co-pastor a church my husband…I was also scheduled to work in the kids-area that day…couldn’t get out of church). So, I got a ton of odd looks from people, and yes, I did explain what I did and why my face was so swollen. I am not embarrassed by getting face injections nor do I care what people’s thoughts on them are.
My swelling was pretty much gone after three days. But, I would suggest not going anywhere the day after face injections if you want to avoid people knowing you had them.
As far as bruising after injections, I got a tiny bit, but not anything that concealer couldn’t fix. Also, I didn’t get any swelling or bruising after Dysport.
DID YOUR FACE HURT AFTER GETTING RESTYLANE AND DYSPORT?
Yes, mam (or sir) it did. My face hurt pretty bad a few hours after injections. Enough so that I took 3 IB profin to stop the pain. My cheeks and my lips were what hurt pretty dang bad. They painful to the touch and stayed that way for a few days. Even now, after five days, they are a little sensitive, but not enough to take any pain meds.
In the end, if you get your lips injected with Restylane, you aren’t going to want to do any kissing for a few days. Also, if you get your cheeks injected, you will want to sleep on your back because, in my experience, it hurt to sleep with my face on the pillow.
AM I GLAD I GOT RESTYLANE AND DYSPORT
Before Restylane and Dysport
After Restylane and Dysport
Some people will think it is ridiculous that I had these treatments done. I can deal with it. I can see a pretty big difference in the shape of my face after injections and I’m happy with it.
To answer this questions more completely. YES, I am glad I went through a few days of swelling and a bit of IB profin for my results. I was a little scared when I woke up the next day after injections because of the swelling, but, I had to remind myself that the swelling will go down and to not freak out.
I really love how my face looks. Not that I didn’t like it before (read my “When I look in the Mirror” post). But, I do feel refreshed, and I think I look younger, which, ya know…is always a chase.
I hope you guys have a fantastic day and if you have any questions, let me know!
xo,
Kendra
