You know what? I like my face. I just wanted my lips to look a touch softer and fuller. Not fake. Not ducky. Just… like me, but a little plush. So I tried a “natural” lip filler approach with hyaluronic acid (think Juvederm or Restylane). I’ve done it twice now, a year apart. (Before my first appointment I actually read an in-depth, no-nonsense take on natural lip filler that set my expectations.) Here’s how it went.
Why I wanted it (and what “natural” meant to me)
I wear clear balm most days. But when I put on lipstick, the edges looked flat. My top lip sort of folded when I smiled. I wasn’t chasing a new face. I wanted my lips to hold color better and not vanish in photos.
“Natural,” for me, meant:
- Small change, slow and steady
- Soft texture, not stiff
- My face still looks like mine from the side
The game plan with my injector
I went to a nurse injector at a well-known med spa near me. We talked for 20 minutes first. She looked at my side profile, my philtrum (that dip under your nose), and my lip ratio. Sounds fancy, but it helped.
What we did:
- Product: Restylane Kysse (first time) and Revanesse Versa (second time)
- Amount: 0.6 ml the first visit, then a 0.3 ml touch-up two weeks later
- Price: $480 for the half syringe, $220 for the touch-up (prices can swing based on the city)
Clinical research has shown that hyaluronic acid–based fillers like Restylane Kysse and Revanesse Versa deliver natural-looking lip enhancement with a strong safety record (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov).
Why so little? She said small amounts look soft and last well when placed right. I liked that.
What it felt like (honest version)
Numbing cream made my lips feel puffy, like I’d pressed them on ice. The first few needle pokes were spicy, but not crazy. I’d call the pain a 4 out of 10. The cupid’s bow stung the most; the corners felt weird, like a tiny pop.
It took about 12 minutes total. She pressed here and there to smooth it. That part felt like a gentle pinch.
Day-by-day healing — the real stuff
Day 1: Looked cute, a bit swollen. I loved them too much. That was a trap.
Day 2: The swelling peaked. I woke up with “pillow lips.” Not me. I iced with a bag of frozen peas and texted my mom a selfie. She said, “Don’t panic.” Moms, right?
Day 3–4: Bruises popped up on the right side. One lip bump felt like a grain of rice. She told me to wait, not massage hard. I sipped pineapple juice (bromelain helps me, or maybe it’s in my head). I also started swishing an alcohol-free rinse at night—this honest mouthwash story convinced me to ditch the stingy stuff.
Day 7: Back to normal size. Small bump settled on its own.
By two weeks, they looked soft and, well, natural. My husband didn’t notice until I put on a bright red lipstick. He said, “Oh, that looks smooth,” which is husband-speak for “approved.”
How they looked and felt
- Shape: My top lip showed more when I smiled. Edges looked clean, not blurry.
- Texture: Soft, not gummy. I could drink from a straw fine by day 3.
- Makeup: Lip liner went on like butter. No skipping across dry lines.
- Photos: Side profile looked the same. Front view looked balanced.
They lasted about 10 months the first time, 12 the second. I drink lots of water and use balm with SPF, so that may help. I’ve also been keeping them conditioned with the ultra-gentle, SPF-infused balm from Arena Naturals, which seems to lock in moisture beautifully.
Things I loved
- The “you, but rested” vibe. People asked if I changed my skincare.
- Lip balm felt like a treat. Even clear gloss looked fancy.
- I could still rub my lips, kiss, whistle—normal stuff.
Things that bugged me
- Swelling on day 2 made me second-guess everything. I almost called to dissolve. Glad I didn’t.
- One bruise sat like a dot for a week and a half.
- Price adds up with touch-ups. I’d rather do less but do it right.
- Cold sores are a risk if you get them. I don’t, but my friend does. She takes meds before filler.
A few tips I wish I had early
- Book it when you don’t have events for 7–10 days.
- Skip fish oil, alcohol, and hard workouts 24–48 hours before and after (my injector’s rule).
- Bring lip balm. Your lips feel dry after numbing.
- Don’t chase size on day 1. Swelling lies.
- Take a “before” photo in good light. It’s nice to compare later.
Little surprises
I got more compliments on my skin, not my lips. Funny, right? I also started wearing less makeup. A good brow, tinted balm, and I was out the door. The “clean girl” look makes sense now. (I’m crediting some of that glow to trying a few natural body lotions that made my arms and shoulders look healthier than my highlighter ever did.)
That subtle boost in confidence even nudged me to say yes to more spontaneous coffee dates around my neighborhood. If you’re feeling the same post-glow energy and want an easy way to meet new people close by, check out FuckLocal — the site quickly connects you with nearby singles so you can turn that fresh, feel-good vibe into real-world hangs without endless swiping.
When I wanted a different kind of self-care—specifically, a solid massage instead of socializing—I dug around for trustworthy spots. If you’re in Louisiana, the curated listings at Rubmaps Covington can point you toward well-reviewed parlors in the Covington area, complete with candid user feedback and up-to-date service details so you know exactly what to expect before you book.
Also, when I switched from Kysse to Versa for my second round, the feel was the same for me. Interestingly, comparative studies note that Versa often produces less swelling immediately after treatment while still lasting up to a year, which might explain why some people prefer it (medicadepot.com).
Who I think this is for
- You want subtle fullness, not a new face.
- Your top lip hides when you smile.
- You like a soft, moisturized look in pictures.
- You’re okay with a few days of bruise risk and “Is this too big?” panic.
Who it may not be for:
- You want a big change fast.
- You hate needles or hate any risk of swelling.
- You have an event in two days. Don’t do that to yourself.
My verdict
I’m a fan. Natural lip filler made my lips look smoother and a bit fuller without shouting, “I did something!” It gave me better lipstick days and less fuss with liner. The healing is a week of “be cool, don’t stare at the mirror,” but the payoff lasts most of the year for me.
Would I do it again? Yep—small amounts, with someone who listens. If you try it, go slow. Let your face stay your face. That’s the sweet spot.