In a place like Atlanta, full of beautiful women, one facial feature stands out that adds to their beauty. Full, voluptuous lips have a special appeal. Since the red-lipped flappers of the early 20th century and the budding stars of the silver screen during that season in history, full, pouting lips have been the ideal. Pinup girls of the 40s and 50s even into the 60s blew kisses from cupid’s bow pouts. The trend has survived into the 21st century.
Livin’ Large
Today’s women often prefer even more lip volume than those in the last century. In fact, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports a rise of over 60% for lip augmentation in the last twenty years. Do-it-yourselfers are willing to endure the discomfort of a variety of substances in lip plumping glosses. These ingredients, though generally safe, can cause severe reactions for those with allergies.
Caution is advised because allergic reactions can be serious. Ingredients such as capsicum, cinnamon or menthol are mild irritants. When put on the lips, volume appears to increase as blood rushes to the surface of the skin. The transient swelling that is caused produces a mild and temporary fullness.
Bee venom is also used in lip gloss to volumize lips. When put on the lips, the skin reacts to the venom as if it had been stung and becomes inflamed as a result. Like the other products, bee venom provides temporary results. If you have an allergy to bee stings, stay away from products using bee venom.
Though these products may provide the look you crave, the results are temporary. The more you use these products, the more likely they are to let you down eventually. Your body builds a tolerance over time, and the products lose their effectiveness.
The Better Alternatives to Fuller Lips
Truly effective lip plumping comes with fillers or lip augmentation. Your pictures will always reflect that voluptuous smile rather than one that dwindles and swells and dwindles again over the course of time. Fillers provide you with beautifully full lips that will maintain their fullness for months rather than hours.
Contact Kalos for more information about our selection of fillers for your lip augmentation. Dr. Stong is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon providing patients with beautiful and lasting results. Call today to schedule your consultation appointment.
