Stepping Into Your Power Looks Different for Everyone - See How it Looks for This Trans Model

Out.com Editors
·5 min read

Since modeling for well-known lingerie and activewear brands and having clients such as the second-best-selling female musician of all time, makeup artist Ko Wills (she/her) knows beauty. And she has been fascinated by beauty and makeup since early on in her career.

“How I got into the beauty industry, I think it started with my grandma. Like she was always this classy, beautiful lady, and I remember she would always put on makeup or put her hair in rollers. The way she cared for herself was absolutely amazing,” Ko tells Out as part of its “Spilling the Tea on Me” series.

Ko finds beauty in transformation, and since coming out as trans, she has found pride in being her authentic self. “There’s something about the power of transformation. For me that’s been my whole life I think as a trans woman. But I do have trouble being authentically me,” Ko admits.

Ko tries to not be hard on herself because she knows that everyone lacks confidence in certain things-it’s a part of life. In addition to cultivating her inner strength, Ko has always wanted a plumper look for her lips. With help from JUVÉDERM® VOLBELLA® XC, she achieved just that. She stated, “Every time I look at myself on screen or in a mirror I know that it’s me.”

See below for more information about Ko’s JUVÉDERM® VOLBELLA® XC treatment and behind-the-scenes photos on set of the "Spilling the Tea on Me” shoot. In addition, see below for Approved Uses and Important Safety Information.

Ko is an actual patient treated with JUVÉDERM® VOLBELLA® XC in the lips. Results may vary.

How does JUVÉDERM® fit into your lifestyle/routine?

As a makeup artist, model, and creative, I’m always on the go! I love how easy it is to fit my treatment appointment into my busy schedule and how low-maintenance my results are.

What keeps you loyal to the brand? Tell us about your experience.

There’s a lot of reasons that keep me loyal. My results are natural-looking and long-lasting. Mostly, every time I look at myself on screen or in a mirror I know that it’s me.

How does getting treated with JUVÉDERM® help you like your look?

Getting treated with JUVÉDERM® VOLBELLA® XC has helped me achieve my goal of plumper lips. The look is smooth and subtle, and the results were instant. I love that!

JUVÉDERM® VOLBELLA® XC and JUVÉDERM® Ultra XC Important Information

APPROVED USES

JUVÉDERM® VOLBELLA® XC injectable gel is for injection into the lips for lip augmentation and for correction of perioral lines in adults over the age of 21.

JUVÉDERM® Ultra XC is for injection into the lips and perioral area for lip augmentation in adults over the age of 21.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Are there any reasons why I should not receive JUVÉDERM® VOLBELLA® XC or JUVÉDERM® Ultra XC injectable gels?

Do not use these products if you have a history of multiple severe allergies or severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), or if you are allergic to lidocaine or Gram-positive bacterial proteins used in these products.

What precautions should my doctor advise me about?

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. The safety of these products for use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding has not been studied

  • The safety of JUVÉDERM® VOLBELLA® XC in patients under 22 years, and the safety of JUVÉDERM® Ultra XC in patients under 18 years, has not been studied

  • The safety and effectiveness of JUVÉDERM® VOLBELLA® XC in areas other than the lips and perioral area have not been established in controlled clinical studies

  • The safety and effectiveness of JUVÉDERM® Ultra XC for areas other than the lips and perioral area for lip augmentation, or for facial wrinkles and folds, have not been established in controlled clinical studies

  • Tell your doctor if you have a history of excessive scarring (eg, hypertrophic scarring and keloid formations) or pigmentation disorders, as use of these products may result in additional scars or changes in pigmentation

  • Tell your doctor if you are planning other laser treatments or a chemical peel, as there is a possible risk of inflammation at the treatment site if these procedures are performed after treatment

  • Patients who experience skin injury near the site of injection with these products may be at a higher risk for side effects

  • Tell your doctor if you are on immunosuppressive therapy used to decrease the body’s immune response, as use of these products may result in an increased risk of infection

  • Tell your doctor if you are using medications that can prolong bleeding, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or other blood thinners, as this may result in increased bruising or bleeding at the injection site

  • Minimize strenuous exercise, exposure to extensive sun or heat, and alcoholic beverages within the first 24 hours following treatment

What are possible side effects?

The most common side effects included swelling, tenderness, bruising, firmness, lumps/bumps, redness, pain, discoloration, itching, and dryness. For JUVÉDERM® VOLBELLA® XC, side effects were predominantly mild or moderate, with a duration of 30 days or less. With JUVÉDERM® Ultra XC injectable gel, most side effects were mild or moderate and lasted 14 days or less.

One of the risks with using these products is unintentional injection into a blood vessel, and, while rare, the complications can be serious and may be permanent. These complications, which have been reported for facial injections, can include vision abnormalities, blindness, stroke, temporary scabs, or permanent scarring.

As with all skin injection procedures, there is a risk of infection.

To report a side effect with JUVÉDERM® VOLBELLA® XC or JUVÉDERM® Ultra XC, please call Allergan at 1-800-433-8871. Please also visit Juvederm.com for more information.

Available by prescription only.

© 2023 AbbVie. All rights reserved. JUVÉDERM, VOLBELLA, and their designs are trademarks of Allergan Holdings France SAS, an AbbVie company, or its affiliates.