Throughout history big lips have been seen as sexy and feminine … no surprise then, that fillers are one of the most asked-for facial procedures. But the search for the perfect pout isn’t always a smooth one.
As we age, our lips lose their volume and become thinner. By the time we reach our 40s and 50s, diminishing levels of collagen mean they start to lose their shape, the corners of the mouth droop downwards and marionette lines form. Many of my clients are looking for non-surgical ways to restore their once plump pout, and fillers are ideal for a quick, relatively pain-free and effective answer. While there may be many horror stories of them going wrong (trout pouts really are a thing) when they are done right they can work wonders to lift, repair, strengthen and support, enhancing volume, defining features and restoring volume for great-looking, natural results.
WHAT ARE LIP FILLERS?
We use them to plump, reduce deep lines and wrinkles, and smooth contours. They are not permanent – typically lasting between six months and a year – and contain hyaluronic acid, which is found naturally in the body. Treatment takes around 30-45 minutes and a local anaesthetic cream is used to help numb your skin (many fillers also contain additional lidocaine). There may be some slight bruising or swelling following the procedure, but this shouldn’t last more than a day or two.
GETTING THE LOOK RIGHT
I would advise anyone considering fillers to ensure they find a reputable clinician – someone who specialises in the procedure, is fully trained and holds the appropriate qualifications. Arrange a face-to-face consultation beforehand so you can understand the procedure, recognise the benefits and any risks, and discuss realistic expectations. Remember the gold rule, less is definitely more. The effects should look subtle and natural, and treatment can be repeated every three to nine months to maintain the desired look.
FILLERS COMBINED WITH BOTOX
While the hyaluronic acid in lip fillers tends to plump, they can used in conjunction with Botox to relax the muscles around the lips to smooth out the area for a more youthful and lifted look. For this client, she still had great lip volume, she wanted the sagging skin tightened. With this dual treatment you’ll see the results from the fillers straight away while the Botox takes around a week to show.
DON’T BE TEMPTED WITH CUT-PRICE PROCEDURES
Never chose a filler treatment because it’s cheap; as with anything in life, you get what you pay for – you probably won’t get a full consultation ahead of your injections and you may well be left disappointed by the results. If the procedure is done incorrectly you could see long-term swelling, infection and, in some cases, the filler moving away from the lip area. Because of this, it is important that you stay in touch with your surgeon and report any signs of abnormality or side effects so that these can be rectified.
NON-INJECTION ALTERNATIVES
There are some great lip-boosting skincare products available that are specially formulated to take care of this most delicate skin:
iS Clinical Lip Elixir: A luxurious and highly moisturizing cream that visibly smooths and hydrates as it enhances, softens, and plumps the overall appearance of the lips.
iS Clinical Lip Polish: A gentle and effective scrub with powerful antioxidants of vitamins C and E, blended with intensely rich botanical butters. Encourages exfoliation and helps to smooth and hydrate lips, leaving them with a healthy glow.
iS Clinical LiProtect: This antioxidant-rich treatment is more than just a lip balm, combining gentle sunscreen with vitamin E and coconut oil to condition, while elderberry extract and linoleic acid help defend from environmental aggressors.
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