It’s no secret that the popularity of lip augmentation procedures has exploded in recent years. We take a look at the buzz behind big beautiful pouts.
It’s one of the most overwhelmingly popular cosmetic procedures and it’s not slowing down anytime soon. Yep, you guessed it: lip augmentation.
Full, sensual lips have long been considered an aesthetic ideal. However, thanks to selfies, big lips are “trending” like never before. Many point the finger at photo-sharing apps and popular Internet celebs, models and bloggers. It’s been said that there is one lip augmentation procedure in the US every 20 seconds.
“In 2017, people are much more aware of treatments such as lip augmentation; they’re relatively affordable and accessible to everyone, not just celebrities,” says Sylvia Down, Practice Manager at Skin Renu laser and skin rejuvenation clinic.
“Social media, ‘it’ girls, supermodels and bloggers present an open forum for individuals to see what’s available,” she says. “Beautiful full lips are now available to those not naturally blessed with a longed-for pout.”
As we grow older, our lips tend to lose volume. Most people have the procedure to achieve plumper lips, which is mostly associated with youth. The ageing process is a natural process in which cells begin to renew themselves more slowly. Environmental effects, pollution, sun exposure, stress and smoking can all speed up and exacerbate the natural ageing process. Lip enhancement can help reverse this process and bring back (or create) 
that perfect pout.
So, what kind of lip look is actually trending? Are people requesting the full style Kylie Jenner lip? Or are they opting for a more natural enhancement? Sylvia says that generally a fuller lip with more natural appearance is the favoured look.
“Younger women will often want lips similar to models or celebrities they admire regardless of whether or not it would suit them,” warns Sylvia. “However, taking the time to explain how the procedure will be customised for their own natural lip and features helps patients make a decision that won’t result in a disproportionate lip augmentation. Most women want their partners, friends and family to react to them with ‘you look lovely’, not ‘what have you done?!”’
What does a typical procedure involve?
Lip augmentation can be anything that enhances your lips, but the use of dermal fillers and injecting your own fat into their lips are the top procedures (with dermal fillers by far being the most popular).
“Patients see a doctor in the clinic, as dermal fillers are a Schedule 4 product (meaning it’s a prescription-only medicine),” Sylvia explains.
“On arrival, patients are given a consent form to read, which outlines the procedure, its risks and potential side effects. The patient is asked to sign the consent only if it is clear to them, or to wait and ask the doctor if they do not understand or if they have any questions or concerns regarding the consent and the treatment.”
“The doctor explains the procedure and the patient’s suitability is assessed, any questions the patient has are answered and only then is the patient treated, by either the doctor or a registered nurse.”
Most dermal fillers have a local anaesthetic in their formulation to make them more comfortable during the injection but a local topical anaesthetic can also be applied
pre-treatment.
Most requested celeb lips
1. Kylie Jenner
2. Jennifer Lawrence
3. Angelina Jolie
4. Rhianna
5. Scarlett Johansson
The dermal filler is injected via a fine needle or cannula to give the discussed desired effect; the treatment is complete within a few minutes.
In terms of longevity of results, it generally depends on which dermal filler is used; your metabolism and lifestyle can also impact on the longevity of the filler. “On average one can expect between 4-8 months, but each person is different and the amounts used varies.”
Sylvia’s final tips? “See someone experienced and go in with realistic expectations – remember, Gigi Hadid’s lips may not suit your face. Ask questions and remember: more does not always mean better,” she stresses. “What suits your friend may not suit you.”
“In my opinion, price is what you pay and value is what you get, so cheaper doesn’t automatically mean better. Find an experienced injector who takes time to consult with you and answer your questions before treatment. A follow-up appointment two weeks later when the dermal filler has settled and the swelling has subsided is always a good idea.”
