Lip Service: Plump & Perfect Your Pout
Not only have we spent what feels like forever wearing masks, we’ve had plenty of time to notice and critique every line and wrinkle while on all those Zoom calls. So now that faces are once again in full view, maybe it’s time to think about a little love for your lips.
“As soon as masks started coming off, lips regained the spotlight,” said Jessica Mathes, RN, of Zen Aesthetics + Wellness in Edmond. “I would say the most common request is simply for fuller lips with my younger clients and fuller, smoother and more youthful lips for my older clients.”
Even with the pandemic’s effects, injectables were still one of the most sought-after treatments in 2020, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Of the top five minimally invasive cosmetic procedures, soft tissue fillers were No. 2, just behind Botox.
Social media has, without a doubt, played a role in the quest for a fuller pout. “Social media has really normalized the procedure,” said Lauren McGehee, RN, of Skinlab Injectables. “Almost everyone has seen lip injections or before and after pictures, so they know what to expect. And many people tell us they want their lips to look better for photos.”
Lacey Dvoracek, RN, of Restorative Injectables said it’s the natural look that fillers provide that makes them so popular with everyone. “As fillers go, lips are definitely the most common requested procedure from all ages.”
Most lip enhancements are done with hyaluronic acid (HA), a natural substance found in the body. It’s generally the most popular filler because of the natural look it provides, plus it’s safe, temporary and can be dissolved. Popular HA fillers include Restylane, Kysse and Juvéderm Ultra XC.
It was a fuller lip that Maci Tompkins was looking for when she decided to explore lip enhancement. For as long as she can remember, she’s been self-conscious of what she describes as thin lips that disappear when she smiles. “It is something I have always been very aware of, and decided it was the perfect time [to correct] since masks are coming off,” she said. The mom of 10-month-old twins, Tompkins did her research, looked at photos and chatted with friends who’d had fillers done. “I was going for the look that, if you didn’t know me, you’d have no idea I had my lips done,” she said. And she’s thrilled with the results. “As a new mom, I think being confident and doing things for me are still so important—and I love how my lips look.”
GETTING IT DONE
So, what are the steps to new lips? Both Mathes and Dvoracek said the initial consultation is the most important part of the process. “Consulting and setting expectations is a huge part of what I do,” added Dvoracek. The initial consultation includes assessing the natural lip and chatting about what the client is looking for—whether it is a poutier look, a defined border, getting rid of fine lines or just a subtle plump. “Clients look to me to guide them to what will enhance their natural lip, and choose the filler that will best achieve their goal,” said Mathes.
Consultations and appointments are typically done at the same time, usually taking about an hour from start to finish. “It’s key to consult about what the client really needs in terms of structure, balance, symmetry, hydration or volume,” said McGehee.
Once the procedure is determined, lips are cleaned with alcohol and a topical numbing cream is applied for 20-30 minutes. The numbing cream is removed, lips are cleaned again, and the injections—using very small needles—begin. Fillers include a small amount of lidocaine, which can cause a slight feeling of pressure or pinching, but most patients are comfortable during the process. Immediately after the procedure, lips are massaged and an ice pack is used to help with swelling, which is a common side effect. “I always suggest to my clients they give themselves a few days to recover from the swelling or slight bruising,” said McGehee.
It takes fillers about two weeks to completely integrate into the tissue, and full results begin to appear as the swelling goes down. Fillers cost be-tween $375-$700 and last 6 -12 months, depending on how the body breaks down the product. Clients can return during that timeframe in order to keep up with their new look.
Another popular procedure is the lip flip, which uses strategically injected Botox instead of filler. Rather than adding volume like fillers, it relaxes the muscle above the upper lip, making it roll out slightly and giving the lips a subtle pout. Dvoracek added that some patients start with the lip flip if they are nervous about jumping right in with fillers, or the procedures can be used in conjunction. Pricing ranges from $99 to $150.
Regardless of the lip look the client is going for, the goal of the injector is a natural and refreshed lip.
“It is a fine line—you don’t want to walk out looking like you’ve had something major done to your lips,” said Dvoracek. “Natural is the look I aim for while still giving clients what they want. I want people to look at my clients and think, ‘Hey, she looks refreshed,’ but they can’t put their finger on why.”
Mathes added, “Lips are one of my favorite things to inject, and if someone is considering it, I say do it.”