The Other Side of Lip Filler: My Experience with Dr. Godley and How It Compared to Lip Blush
This story is based on a real patient experience. Details have been changed for privacy and editorial purposes.
I did not expect my lips to be the thing that made me feel older. I thought it would be my forehead or my jawline. But somewhere in my thirties, the colour started fading. Now at forty three, when I look in the mirror, they have a distinct dull grey tint.
For a while I was deeply invested in lipstick. I could have bought shares in Charlotte Tilbury with the amount I spent trying to find the perfect shade! The colour worked as long as the lipstick stayed on, but then I ate, or I got home and wiped everything away, and there they were again. My grey lips.
So I tried lip blush. I loved how natural it looked. It gave me a soft rosy glow that felt beautiful and effortless. But the results faded quickly. The centre lost its colour first, leaving me with a strange halo look. And the treatment itself was not easy. Two hours of needles on the lips is exactly as intense as it sounds. Also if you have cool-toned lips like me, you have to sit through an additional neutralizing session before you can even add colour.
Even then, I avoided lip filler.
I had a list of fears.
I worried lip filler would make me look swollen or overdone. I worried people would notice right away. I worried I would lose the shape I still liked. And because most of what I saw online focused on enlargement, I assumed filler was not for someone like me.
I shared these fears with a friend, expecting her to agree with me. Instead, she said, “I see Dr. Godley twice a year for my lips.”
I stared at her because I had no idea. Her lips always looked like her lips. Nothing about them ever stood out as treated or enhanced. If she had been getting filler and I never noticed, maybe the treatment could be as subtle and natural as I hoped.
So I booked the appointment.
My grey lips, and how they look immediately after treatment.
My Lip Filler Consultation
When I walked into Godley Clinic, I still carried all the misconceptions I had picked up online. In my mind, lip filler meant big and pouty and so not my style. But during my consultation, Dr. Godley took the time to dispel my misconceptions. It was a very detailed explanation, so let me give you the cliff notes:
Lip filler can add volume, but that is only one use.
It can also restore the vermillion border, the soft outline that fades with age.
When that outline weakens, the lips look less defined even if the size has not changed.
Supporting that border does not make the lips bigger. It just brings back their natural shape.
Filler also improves hydration from within, which can brighten the natural colour.
Better hydration gives the lips a smoother, healthier appearance.
The overall goal is to keep the lips looking like they belong to your face.
Once he laid it out, I felt a lot better. I trusted him to keep things natural and I decided to go ahead with the treatment.
My Lip Filler Treatment
Dr. Godley started by putting numbing gel on my lips, but to be honest the treatment still hurt. The injections were short and sharp, though, the whole thing was over in about ten minutes. My lip blush treatment had me in discomfort for a lot longer than that.
Living with Lip Filler
Right after the treatment, my lips were swollen, comically so. But the swelling was down by the next day and completely gone after two weeks. As the swelling faded, my lips started to feel normal again.
And when I looked in the mirror, I loved it. The colour and glow reminded me of what I liked about lip blush, but the added hydration and the gentle definition along my lip outline restored the look of my lips in a way that simply adding colour with lip blush never could.
At the next friend's gathering, I waited for it.
I waited for someone to call me out, to ask what I had done, to stare at my mouth.
No one did.
Instead, everyone said I looked great. And I felt great. It was the kind of subtle change no one else noticed, but it lifted the way I carried myself.
Book Your Lip Filler Consultation in Vancouver or Abbotsford
Working with Dr. Godley made it clear why subtle lip restoration works. He focused on outline, hydration, and colour rather than size. The result made sense for my face, and that is what made me happy with it.
If you are curious about restoring your lip colour or definition, or wondering what a subtle approach could look like for you, consider booking a consultation with Dr. Godley. He will assess your lips, explain the changes that come with aging, and recommend options that suit your features and comfort level.
Lip Filler FAQ
How long does lip filler last?
Most people find their lip filler lasts several months. The timing varies from person to person.
How much is lip filler?
At our clinic, the cost of a full syringe is $795, and the cost of a half syringe is $595. The amount recommended depends on your goals and the natural size of your lips. You will always receive a personalized quote during your consultation.
Does lip filler hurt?
Numbing gel is used before the treatment, which helps reduce discomfort. You may still feel brief, sharp sensations during the injections, but they are quick, and the entire procedure usually takes about ten minutes.
What is lip filler made of?
Most modern lip fillers are made of hyaluronic acid. This helps the lips stay hydrated and smooth.
Can you use Vaseline after lip filler?
Yes. Many people use a simple balm to keep the lips moisturized. Dr. Godley will provide you with after-care instructions.
Can you eat after lip filler?
Yes. You can eat once the numbing gel has fully worn off. Starting with softer foods can help you avoid accidentally biting your lips while they are still adjusting.
How long does it take for lip filler to settle?
Swelling reduces within days, but the final settled look appears over a couple of weeks.
