*Sponsored post: Allergan Aesthetics*

The popularity of aesthetic treatments is on the rise,¹ with a significant increase in the use of lip filler treatments over the last decade.^2,3With lips being one of the most injected parts of the face,⁴ we are also seeing lip shape trends changing at a similar rate to eyebrow shape and fullness trends.^3,5

In line with this demand, greater investment in aesthetic treatments means that people can look how they want to for longer.¹ However, despite the growing trend of lip fillers,^2,3there are still elements of the stigma associated with non-surgical aesthetic treatment, and people often don’t realise that natural-looking results can be achieved.⁶To change this, people should be given educational information that will enable them to make an informed decision to see whether treatment is right for them.

Why do people get lip fillers?

There are many different reasons why people consider lip filler treatments, a significant one being that people simply want to look good.⁵Pressure to look good can be influenced by factors such as social media and the influence of celebrity culture, which has undoubtedly played a part in the demand for treatment.^1,3,5 Not only this, but research also shows that friends and family can have a significant influence over a person’s decision process when considering the procedure.¹

People interested in lip fillers often have different aesthetic goals, and this can be down to age, cultural nuances or aesthetic trends.^3,5,7

For instance, some people may desire more lip volume and focus primarily on the overall size and shape of the lip, as opposed to others who may seek subtle lip enhancements, focusing on more definition, or restoring the volume lost around the lips due to signs of ageing.⁷

With the facial ageing process resulting in changes to the bone, soft tissue and the skin,8 another reason people may look to lip fillers is to restore what may be lost during the ageing process and restore their natural lip shape.⁷

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How do our lips change as we age?

The structure and smoothness of our lips gradually break down as we age, leading to a loss in the lips’ natural definition, shape and fullness. A youthful face is associated with symmetrical and balanced features due to factors including well-defined muscles in the face, however as we age, these muscles weaken, creating significant changes to the lip region.⁸

So, when do our lips start to change?

Data shows that our lips begin to age when we’re in our 30s or earlier.8 The lip can start to thin and nasolabial folds (lines from the bottom of the nose to the corners of the mouth) start to form.^8,9In our 40s, these folds appear to deepen, and perioral lines (lines or wrinkles in the bottom of the mouth) start to develop.⁸

When people reach their 50s, changes appear more prominent with more visible changes to lip-lines and wrinkles, all of which are exaggerated further when reaching the 60+ age group.⁸

Why is the consultation process important?

A detailed consultation process with a trained aesthetics medical doctor is important when considering lip filler treatments.^7,10 A consultation ensures a detailed discussion can take place to understand the options available and which treatment is best suited in achieving the desired results.^7,10

Research into finding the right practitioner, as well as asking the right questions and knowing what to expect, is valuable to the process.²¹ With a range of filler options available to suit various different lip goals enabling people to plump, shape or smooth their natural lip,⁷ being more knowledgeable about the process will be beneficial to the treatment journey.

How can lip fillers help address these changes?

Natural-looking results can be achieved with dermal lip fillers when having the right conversations with a qualified practitioner, as the procedure requires professional expertise.^7,10 Dermal lip fillers, including those using Hyaluronic Acid (HA), can improve the appearance of lips by adding shape, smoothness, volume and increased definition.^3,5

HA is a natural component found in our connective tissue, which we gradually lose as we age.11 When HA is injected into the skin, it combines with water to help restore elasticity and tone.^12,13 Allergan Aesthetics has a collection of HA fillers that contains a range of products that are appropriate for the lip area, providing volume, plumpness, shape and smoothness,^14-18 allowing different lip-looks to be tailored to the individual.⁸

Products are specifically designed to help address different areas of the lip depending on the aesthetics desired^3,5 with natural results that can last up to 12 months depending on the product used.^19,20

Disclaimer: this article was commissioned by Allergan Aesthetics.

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Address: Abbott Place, 219 Golf Club Terrace, Constantia Kloof, 1709, South Africa.
Tel: 011 831 3200. Fax: 011 831 3292.
Date of material: September 2022. Promo No.: ZA-JUV-220166.

Model treated with products in the Allergan Aesthetics facial filler range. Materials provided by Allergan Aesthetics, an AbbVie company under a licensing agreement. This content is intended for South African adult (>18yrs) audience only. You should always consult a healthcare professional to help you decide if products in the Allergan Aesthetics facial filler range is right for you and provide you with a full list of side effects. Actual results may vary. Images are for illustrative purposes only. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. For product information, refer to the Instructions for use.

REFERENCES: 1. Allergan 360 Aesthetics Report. Beyond Beauty. 2019. Available at: https://www.allergan.com/medical-aesthetics/allergan-360-aesthetics-report [Accessed May 2021]. 2. Calvisi L et al. Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy. November 2016. 3. Scanlon C. Journal of Aesthetic Nursing. 2015;4 Suppl. 5:24–30. 4. Allergan. Unpublished Data. INT-JUV-2150013. Allergan Aesthetics Lip Data. Jan 2021. 5. Miller A. Journal of Aesthetic Nursing. 2018;7 Suppl. 2:12–20. 6. Allergan Unpublished Data. Allergan OYID Survey (Global Data). INT-NON-1950284. December 2019. 7. Greene RM. Facial Plast Surg. 2019; 35: 134–39. 8. Swift A et al. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2020. 1-13. 9. Healthline. What are Nasolabial Fold Fillers? Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/nasolabial-fold-filler [Accessed May 2021]. 10. Luthra A. J Cutan. Aesthet Surg. 2015;8(3):139-42. 11. Papakonstantinou E, et al. Dermato endocrinol 2012;4:253–8. 12. Raspaldo H. Cosmet Laser Ther 2008;10(3):134. 13. Goodman GJ, et al. Clin Cos Invest Dermatol 2011;4:197–205. 14. Draelos Z. Cosmetic Dermatology. 2010: 185. 15. Tezel A, Fredrickson GH. J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2008;10:35–42. 16. Allergan Aesthetics DFU. 73652JR10. Revision 2019-09-09. 17. Allergan Aesthetics DFU. 73654JR10. Revision 2019-09-09. 18. Allergan Aesthetics DFU. 73664JT10.Revision 2019-09-09. 19. Eccleston D and Murphy DK. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2012;5: 167–72. 20. Allergan Aesthetics. Unpublished Data. INT-VOF-2050002. Allergan Aesthetics for lip augmentation. 12-month data. Nov 2020. 21. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Dermal Fillers.

Questions to ask your plastic surgeon. 2018. Available at: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmeticprocedures/dermal-fillers/questions [Accessed May 2021]