Since Goldie Hawn's duck-billed lips in The First Wives Club, we've come a long way. Nowadays, women and men like to change their lips by puffing them out. While some beauty trends appear out of nowhere and disappear just as fast, lip fillers have been a fixture for decades and are the most Googled cosmetic procedure in the UK. What brought us here, then?

Lip procedures were formerly a rare and dangerous luxury reserved for the wealthy, but with modern non-surgical techniques. They are now more widely available, less expensive, and need little recovery time. The need for lip fillers has increased tremendously, and where there is demand, there is supply. According to some beauty editors, Google searches for lip fillers in the UK were ten times greater than in previous years and have continued to rise.

The most popular non-surgical cosmetic procedure as of 2016 was lip filling, and lips are currently receiving a lot of attention. Lip fillers have been around since the early 19th century, despite what they may seem like today. Although they had a somewhat grim beginning, injectable fillers produced from similar fat were first used in dermatology to rebuild facial defects in tuberculosis patients.

However, by the early 1900s, surgeons began practising lip filling as a cosmetic treatment. Nevertheless, it was a novel practice that never really caught on. Almost everything has been put into lips by surgeons since the invention of fillers. Liquid paraffin followed fat, but it was rapidly revealed to be a huge failure. When silicone arrived on the scene in the 1960s, the "trout pout" was born.

The approach was swiftly dropped since the results were possibly harmful. In the 1970s, surgeons even injected beef-derived collagen into lips. Injectables had been around for a century in one shape or another, but it wasn't until the 1990s that they took off, and human collagen was introduced. Hyaluronic acid, a chemical that occurs naturally in the body and virtually every skincare product ever, is used in today's more advanced fillers.

Lip fillers became the decade-defining beauty craze they are today in 2015, without a doubt. Following Kylie Jenner's admission that she underwent lip enhancement, there was a 70% increase in inquiries for lip fillers within 24 hours. More than 27,000 Americans underwent lip-filling surgery in 2015, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Each surgery occurs every 20 minutes, then. Jenner introduced her brand of Kylie Lip Kits in the same year; the rest is history. Kylie developed her business on the strength of her lips, much like her older sister Kim created her image from her BBL procedure. She made a career out of it. Although Kylie may have started a trend, she is not the only person to blame for everyone having full lips. It is largely accepted in society.

And social media has, of course, played a significant role in highlighting superstars like the Kardashians, who have started a trend in having lip fillers to the point where even males are getting them done too. Instagram is used extensively by hospitals and medical professionals to promote their work. It's not unexpected in a time when social media is the primary force behind all types of cultural change.

Lip fillers have established a place in our culture over a long, rocky road. And it doesn't look like they're going anywhere anytime soon. You need to keep topping them off.

What Are They?

Lip fillers, also known as lip augmentation or lip injection, involve using a needle to inject collagen or another filler into one or both of your lips to add volume. One of the most popular filler materials utilized in lip injections nowadays is hyaluronic acid, a chemical found naturally in the human body together with collagen. Some patients want lip injections made with fat from other parts of their bodies, similar to lip implants.

Lip implants and lip injections are fantastic options for boosting your confidence in the appearance of your lips, even though one is a semi-permanent, non-invasive procedure that lasts less than an hour, and the other is a permanent, minimally invasive surgery. Consultation with a skilled physician who can help you identify your precise objectives and needs is the best method to determine which operation is ideal for you.

Factors To Consider When Getting Your Lips Filled

1.    Be In Good Physical Condition

Good health cannot be underestimated. It is very important that before you think of getting any cosmetic procedure done, the first thing to consider, before expenses, is your health. You should not be taking any medication as a result of ill health which may react with any of the injectables.

2.     Possess Reasonable Expectations.

Beauty, they say, lies in the eyes of the beholder. So, don’t think because you are getting a lip filler, everyone will identify you as the most beautiful woman ever. Have reasonable expectations when getting a lip filler procedure. Understand why you are going for this procedure. This reason should be personal to you so that you can have that self-esteem boost.

3.    Have No Wounds

If you are dealing with cold sores, canker sores, or other active mouth infections, then a lip filler should not be your number one concern. Instead address those wounds or infections before you think about getting a lip filler.

Why Do People Get Lip Fillers?

Many patients who have lip fillers wish to enlarge their lips. There are several reasons why someone might desire to increase the size of their lips, including:

1.  Restoring The Lip's Former Size.

Your lips may become thinner or smaller as you age, and your philtrum (the groove between your upper lip and septum) may lengthen and flatten. Additionally, the distance between your mouth's corners may widen. So people opt for lip fillers to get their lips they were.

2.    Adjusting The Appearance Of Their Lips.

Your lips frequently have a variety of sizes and shapes (asymmetrical). Some people are born with thin lips, but they prefer thick lips.  So, since they think their genetics have not been fair to them, they go for procedures to adjust the appearance of their lips. Lip fillers help the lips regain or increase volume. So they go for this procedure to satisfy that desire.

3.    They Remove Wrinkles.

As you age, you begin to develop wrinkles. These may form on the sides of your lips and appear when you laugh or grin. Few people are comfortable showcasing their ageing with a smile or a grin. Lip fillers don't stop ageing, but they could reduce the need for a lip lift or more invasive surgical lip augmentation.

4.    Enhancing Identity.

You might see volume loss in your lips over time, which could be brought on by genetics, smoking and sun damage. Now you feel you have lost a part of you that makes you. Lip fillers can make you feel better about yourself and how you look. They can also assist you in obtaining a desired appearance, which raises your self-esteem.

How Is The Lip Filling Process Done?

Before the procedure, you will first meet with the specialist to discuss your objectives and goals. This is the moment to discuss with your medical specialist what you want to do to your lips and how much filler you want. They will advise you on what they believe would be a better result for your process. Your specialist will apply a cream to your lips on your visit to numb them so you won't feel anything during the process.

You won't be able to feel your lips after roughly 15 to 30 minutes. The filler will then be delicately injected into the area around your lips. During the process, your practitioner might place an ice pack on your lips to lessen swelling and bruising. Make sure to refrain from using aspirin and herbal supplements before beginning the treatment. These substances may thin your blood and increase your risk of bruising.

 If you are prone to cold sores, a lip filler could cause one. Thus a few days prior, an antiviral drug is frequently administered.The process only takes a few minutes and is comparatively painless. While getting the injection, some people experience a pinch, and their lips will become sore. Most frequently, lidocaine is given as a medication during the treatment to lessen discomfort.

The lips are also given topical anaesthesia around 20 minutes before the surgery. Vaseline-like forms of this substance are possible to reduce discomfort. Most people will feel better after the injection, even if a few people may endure slight bruising and swelling. To reduce any swelling, their doctor will also give them ice. Your medical professional could gently massage your lips once the procedure is finished to help the area absorb the filler.

They will then keep an eye on you for around fifteen minutes to ensure that you don't experience any side effects like nausea, heavy bleeding, or dizziness. Once they've decided you don't need to be watched any longer, they'll let you go home. You won't feel sleepy after a local anaesthetic, so that you can drive yourself home. You can have sore lips or swollen lips.

But, swelling often goes away within 24 to 48 hours, although it can sometimes take up to seven days. Even though you'll notice benefits immediately, the surgery is responsible for 20% of the swelling you experience. Four weeks following the treatment, the full effects become apparent. The duration of a lip filler might vary depending on several variables.

For instance, two factors that affect its lifespan are the amount applied and how rapidly the body may absorb it.

Disadvantages Of Lip Fillers

1.    Lip Fillers Can Be Very Expensive.

The cost of lip fillers comes in first place on the list. Even while they perform a terrific job of making us look younger and more appealing, they have a cost that can be too costly for some people. For cosmetic operations, financing is frequently an option. And if the remaining debt is paid within a promotional period, typically 6, 12, or 18 months zero interest options can be made available.

2.    Side Effects

Most lip fillers are made with elements that are found in nature. They are entirely biocompatible and don't have any long-term negative consequences that are known. Lipl fillers, however, might temporarily result in bruising, inflammation, and bleeding at the injection sites. Doctors can recommend various preventive measures and treatments to lessen symptoms, including stopping some drugs and subtly putting ice packs in the treatment area.

Most patients find these side effects to be generally tolerable, transient, and self-resolving.

3.    Lip Fillers Do Not Last Forever.

Lip fillers typically last between six and eighteen months, with an average life of about twelve months. While it is a long time to experience changes in one's complexion and look, they are not long-lasting. Most patients can comprehend this because little else in life is permanent and requires ongoing attention, especially concerning diet, physical appearance, and beauty.

4.    Other Notable Factors

The final drawbacks of lip fillers are worth mentioning but are incredibly uncommon. A very small proportion of patients might metabolize fillers much more quickly than others. Others can encounter rarer adverse effects, including rashes, the emergence of lumps beneath the skin, or an incorrect injection of filler into a blood artery.

Again, these are uncommon if a trained and competent dermatologist or cosmetic facial surgeon performs lip fillers.

Advantages of Lip Fillers

1.    Younger looking Appearance.

Lip fillers can help you look naturally more youthful and appealing per your notion of beauty by erasing lines and wrinkles and plumping up the lips and cheeks.

2.    Lip fillers are transient.

Lip fillers' short lifespan is both an advantage and a con. Lip fillers' effects can be undone with a quick injection if you don't like the results or decide you'd prefer to look different in the future. Since they are transient, you may fine-tune your outcomes.

3.    Lip Fillers Revive Healthy Collagen.

Our bodies' natural hyaluronic acid reserves and their capacity to replace it deplete over time. To make our skin appear younger and healthier, lip fillers can encourage the formation of more healthy collagen.

4.    Short Recovery Period.

A non-surgical and less invasive procedure is lip fillers. They don't require any recovery time as other facial surgeries do, so you may get back to work and socialize immediately. You can also aid the recovery process by staying away from certain activities while you recover. These activities include avoiding the wearing of lip balm or lipstick, and avoiding lip contact with people or objects.

So, for instance, no kissing or drinking from a straw, drink a lot of water and skip exercise for a day. If you do these, you should be fine shortly.

5.    Mild Negative Effects

For most individuals, lip fillers' only side effects will be localized bruising, potential bleeding, and mild swelling. This eliminates the “Beauty is pain” ideology.

Conclusion

If you carefully select your facial cosmetic surgeon, deciding to boost or restore the area around your lips shouldn't be frightening. In addition to keeping your natural lip proportions, ensure that they pay attention to your objectives. The final product should enhance your appearance rather than draw attention away from your other great facial characteristics.