Full, plumped-up lips have been more than just a passing trend over recent years, and the look that was arguably pioneered by Kylie Jenner has gone on to enjoy meteoric popularity in the decade or so since it first debuted. Immediately after Kylie first admitted to having undergone the procedure in 2015, enquiries at cosmetic surgery clinics about lip fillers were reported to have risen by 70 per cent – while fast forward to today, and it seems that having our pouts plumped has become as normal as having our eyebrows waxed.
After two years of mask-wearing and limited socialising, lip fillers are more in demand than ever before, and with a growing number of celebrities and influencers going under the needle, it isn’t hard to see why. Finally able to show our faces in all their glory once again, many of us have been feeling the need for a boost, with the stresses and strains of the pandemic having taken their toll on our looks in ways we never thought possible.
The more people who follow suit, it seems the less worried we are by the prospect of the pain and potential complications that can come with the procedure – and with new and improved formulas that utilise hyaluronic acid instead replacing the original fillers of times gone by, we’re throwing caution to the wind and going all-in in our droves.
If you’re considering joining the masses in pumping up the volume, then here are some things you should know first. Although non-invasive, lip fillers are still a procedure that requires careful consideration, and arming yourself with the facts and knowledge you need to make an informed decision is key.
What are lip fillers?
One of the most popular types of dermal filler today, lip fillers are injections that are designed to increase the volume and size of your lips and, when done right, have the potential to give you that beautiful pout you’ve always dreamed of.
Modern lip fillers consist of synthetic hyaluronic acid (HA). Hyaluronic is a substance that is produced naturally by the body and has the ability to attract water, helping skin to stay hydrated and looking firm – but the amount we produce decreases as we age. While some are born with naturally thin lips, others may find that theirs decrease in volume as they age, and that lines become more noticeable, which is why lip augmentations have become a popular treatment amongst people of all ages.
Collagen used to be a commonly used dermal filler, but because many people are allergic to the bovine collagen they contain – or are against the use of animal products – and the fact that collagen fillers aren’t as long lasting as hyaluronic acid, they have gradually fallen out of favour.
Lip fillers don’t produce the same results for everyone
Got designs on your favourite celebrity’s sumptuous lips? While their pout might look as close to perfection as you can get on Instagram, everyone’s lips are different – so it’s important to bear in mind that what is possible for them isn’t necessarily going to be possible for you. A good practitioner will work with your existing lip shape to subtly enhance them and add volume as appropriate, but should also be prepared to tell you when it’s time to stop. Overfilled lips can be painful and result in the much ridiculed ‘trout pout’ that has been debuted by some over-enthusiastic reality TV stars, so be sure to choose a qualified cosmetic professional you can trust to oversee your treatment.
Decide what you want out of your lip filler treatment, and make sure that you talk to your cosmetic clinic about it beforehand to ensure that you’re both on the same page before the procedure begins. An experienced therapist will run through the risks with you so that you can make an informed decision and will require you to book in for a consultation in advance to ensure that you never feel rushed into making a decision about whether or not to go ahead. Light bruising and swelling is generally considered normal following treatment, but should subside gradually over the next few days.
Injections are temporary
It’s important to know that the results that you achieve from using dermal fillers won’t last forever. Many of the most popular lip filler products used today can produce great results, but you may need to return for a top-up around the six month mark if you want to maintain the look. Hyaluronic injections can be a great choice for those seeking a little boost, but aren’t a decision to be taken lightly – so make sure to do your research and speak to a professional about any concerns first.
