*Sponsored post: Allergan Aesthetics South Africa*.

Allergan Aesthetics, an AbbVie company, develop, manufacture, and market a portfolio of leading aesthetics brands and products. Their aesthetics portfolio includes facial injectables, body contouring, plastics, skin care, and more. With their own research and development team focused on driving innovation in aesthetics, they’re committed to providing the most comprehensive science-based product offerings available.

With the popularity of aesthetic treatments on the rise, lip filler treatments have significantly increased over the last decade¹ as people seek to enhance their natural beauty with a lip that is as unique as them.

When it comes to aesthetic treatments, our goal is simple: to look, and feel, like the finest version of ourselves – so it’s no surprise that lip filler enhancements are one of the most popular non-invasive treatments worldwide.^2,3 When carefully administered by an aesthetic practitioner, hyaluronic acid facial fillers can help enhance the lips,⁴and can create a natural look that’s right for you.^5,6 So, how are people approaching these treatments in an era where lip fillers are becoming more accepted in society?

Enhancing natural beauty

Many of the people opting for lip filler are not seeking a radical transformation.³ Instead, they’re looking for a subtle change: perhaps to add a little volume, enhance or define their natural shape, smooth out lines or balance asymmetry.³No two pairs of lips are the same⁷, and respecting the natural anatomy is at the heart of a successful treatment.³ For this reason, customisation is key, and a responsible aesthetics practitioner will discuss the benefits of a tailored treatment plan and the suitability for you, during consultation.⁸

A holistic approach

According to New Zealand based cosmetic doctor, Dr. Sarah Hart: “The size of your lips should echo the surrounding facial features, like the cheekbones and chin – while the width of your mouth relates to the width of your eyes.” Contrary to the ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach, which can appear unnatural or result in a homogenised appearance, a tailor-made treatment plan strives to bring out the patient’s natural beauty,^6,8 while preserving their individuality.

“Proportion is everything when it comes to lips”,8 says Dr. Hart. “The most beautiful lips are the ones that look good on you”.

Successful treatment doesn’t always address the lips in isolation.³ A holistic assessment of the entire face during a thorough consultation process with an expert practitioner is fundamental.³

Dr Hart agrees: “It is essential to see the lips as part of the whole face. If we are improving the lips, we must also improve the area surrounding them – so that everything is balanced”.

“Proportion is everything when it comes to lips”,8 says Dr. Hart. “The most beautiful lips are the ones that look good on you”.

Overcoming social stigma

While the rise in social media and celebrity culture might seem to be normalising lip filler,⁸ when asked 83% of people agree we should talk more openly about having non-surgical aesthetic treatments.⁹** “I still see patients with a perceived fear of being judged,” says Dr Hart. “For this reason, it’s important that we promote an open dialogue around lip filler treatment.”

For those contemplating lip filler treatments, there are a range of different filler products that can accommodate a range of aesthetic goals,^10-12 and even anaesthetic properties that can help to minimise discomfort.³ “Whether you want to enhance your lips’ natural curve, add volume, improve definition or smooth out fine lines, I like to treat cautiously, step-by-step, to achieve luscious and gorgeously natural lips”, explains Dr Hart.

Tailor-made treatment

Today, men and women at varying stages in life are now seeking lip filler treatments.³ “I now see women in their 70s having their first lip filler as we now have the option of using dermal filler products, like those in the Allergan Aesthetics range, that can deliver natural-looking results targeted on smoothing the fine lines and replacing the volume loss of lips over time,”^5,6 Dr Hart adds. What’s more, many women feel that lip filler treatments are gradually becoming a regular part of an elevated modern beauty routine.²

If you think lip fillers are the next step in your own beauty regime, it is important to find a qualified aesthetics practitioner that is right for you, who will carry out a full consultation, explain the treatment process and discuss any questions you might have.

*Disclaimer: for medical regulatory purposes, Aesthetic Appointment is unable to publish the brand names of scheduled medicines of which Botulinum Toxin and Fillers are included. Please speak to your doctor for more information.

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