Behind The Beauty

Lip-fillers on the rise: "I was scared I'd end up with fish lips"

by Siobhan Gavin

photo provided  by fillers.com

People are slowly looking towards lip enhancements as a way to free them from their insecurities. With procedures now short enough to fit in a lunch break, it is no surprise that many women are falling for the lure of cosmetic surgery.


Behind the Beauty met with Sheffield Hallam student (who will be referred to as 'Emily'), who by the age of 21, has had her lips filled twice and managed to keep it secret from her dad for  nearly a year.



Surgery has been introduced into our lives through celebrities. At first, surgery seemed unattainable but now it is slowly becoming more available for many ordinary people.

"surgery is for people who aren’t happy on the inside"

Many women who have the procedure have been unhappy with the results. Emily believes it depends on the person. Hear Emily discussing her views on plastic surgery 'obsessed' Katie Price.
   

Emily used cosmetic agency, Transform. The procedure consists of anaesthetising the lips and injecting them with a product to enlarge the size and create more of a plump feel to the lips. It takes less than 30 minutes and lasts around 9 months with a couple of day’s recovery time.

“It’s the same sort of feeling as when you get your eyebrows plucked; eye watering pain but not in a really bad way:”  Emily said. 

She told me after she didn’t feel much difference in her lips; they were just a bit tighter and harder. The procedure is more common in women of an older age as they use it once their lips have lost definition due to age; however young women have the procedure if they are unhappy with their natural lips.

Infamous "Trout Pout" - Leslie Ash who has had lip enhancers.

Lip enhancement poses several risks. These include lumps, uneven symmetry of the lips, swelling or inflammation and the possibility of an allergic reaction and permanent damage.

Even with Emily’s first experience she wasn’t completely happy. The procedure itself costs £150 but when she first got home the difference wasn’t noticeable causing her to spend another £75 to have it fixed.

 “It seems like a lot of money but for me it was worth it. I always felt like I had no top lip so wanted to have my lips done, I suppose to help my lack of self confidence”.

Student Emily, paid for the surgery by working part time at Ladbrokes betting shop and with the savings she earned in the summer before university.





Family and friends reactions should also be considered when undergoing surgery. Emily always knew her dad wouldn’t approve of surgery which is why she wanted to keep it a secret but her mum let slip after a year:

“I understand why my dad reacted angrily, if I had children wanting it or other surgery I’d want to say no because you’re fine the way you are but if it makes someone happy then it’s fine, just as long as there is a balance”.

Emily told me if you're thinking of having the surgery, research is key:

“You’re always scared something’s going to happen when you do something to your face, but I did a lot of research, I don’t understand those people who don’t as its doing something to your face which could potentially damage it.”

Dr Rita Rakus founder member of the British College of Aesthetic Medicine, gives the following advice:

1) Make sure you feel comfortable with your surgeon
2) Suggest gradually building up your desired look with small sessions
3) Do not feel pressured
4) You can change your mind!

It seems Lip-fillers are an option that more and more people are taking into consideration, when unhappy with their appearance. However at around £150 and with serious risks possible, it’s a decision not to be taken lightly.

Maybe puckering up with an extra layer of lippy is the most safe (and cheapest) way to boost your self confidence before turning to a lunchtime sarny with a side order of filler!

Would you consider cosmetic surgery? Comment in the box below...