Plump Lips: The Latest Trends

When it comes to lip plumping, the amount of options available today is remarkable. Only a few decades ago, there were very few options for people who wanted natural looking temporary lip plumping. The choices now range from fillers that last for months to lip glosses that last for just a few hours. Here are the top choices in lip plumping today, ranked by their popularity and effectiveness.

Dermal fillers are injectable lip fillers that are administered by a plastic surgeon, physician, nurse practitioner, or a certified injector. There are several different types of dermal fillers that are used in the lips, with the most popular ones being made from hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a clear gel that is extremely similar to the hyaluronic acid that occurs naturally within the body. Hyaluronic acid within the body diminishes over the years, which may leave even people with formerly full lips dissatisfied with the appearance of their pout. Hyaluronic acid binds itself to water molecules in the body, creating a type of web within the lips. This in turn causes the lips to plump up in the desired way. People who are born with small lips, thin lips, or poorly defined lips may also seek to plump up their pout this way.

Juvederm is today’s most popular dermal filler for lips. Any Juvederm formula can be used for lip enhancement, but the Juvederm Ultra Plus formulas are specifically formulated for the delicate lip area. Juvederm Ultra Plus XC has lidocaine anesthetic integrated into the formula, which makes for more comfortable and smoother injections. Juvederm Ultra Plus in the lips can last for as long as one year. However, it is important to note that the results may vary from one patient to the next. Since the lips are constantly in movement, the formula may dissipate more quickly than it would if it were injected in an immobile area of the face.

Restylane is made from a formula that is similar to Juvederm, but it doesn’t generally last as long due to its thinner consistency. Restylane generally lasts for around six months, but as with Juvederm the product life may vary widely from one person to the next. Restylane is often injected after a numbing lidocaine injection to minimize discomfort during the procedure.

Perlane is created from a formula that is similar to Juvederm Ultra Plus XC, both in composition and in texture. The average life of Perlane injections is around a year or more. It is normally used only for deeper wrinkles in the face since it is thicker and less smooth than Restylane or Juvederm. However, Perlane may occasionally be used within the lips as well.

Laser lip plumping is a newer option that may be ideal for people who are hesitant to try dermal fillers. This procedure requires no invasive action of any kind. It relies entirely on the use of a laser. Laser lip plumping sends quick pulses of light directly into the lip tissue, and into the area immediately surrounding the lips. Due to the tissue stimulation, the body is encouraged to create new collagen, which in turn causes the lips to plump up. Although this type of lip plumping does not have the same dramatic results as dermal fillers, it can be an excellent option for anyone looking for a natural looking and subtle change. Laser lip plumping generally lasts around two to three months, and the results can improve with multiple treatments. Treatments can begin at around $150 to $200, and two to three treatments may be needed. To maintain laser lip plumping results consistently, patients should generally get laser treatments around once every six weeks.

For those who want a temporary lip plumping effect that can be removed at the end of the day, plumping lip glosses may be the ideal choice. The best known of these plumping lip glosses is DuWop’s Lip Venom, which was also the first of its kind. Lip Venom is a clear gloss that is designed to naturally enhance the color of the lips. It increases circulation to the lips by irritating the lip tissues. The exact ingredients are a secret, but Lip Venom is known to include a blend of essential oils that includes cinnamon oil, wintergreen oil, and ginger oil.

Other plumping lip glosses are now widely available, as well. The majority of these lip plumpers contain cinnamon or other oils that cause temporary swelling. However, some of the newest plumping lip glosses also include ingredients like marine collagen and human growth factors. These products can, over time, encourage the lips to produce more of the natural collagen and elastin that can create a fuller looking pout.

Plumping lip glosses generally last for anywhere from a couple of hours up to six hours. However, with consistent daily use, many people can enjoy slightly fuller lips on a regular basis. Although results can vary considerably, some people who consistently use the newer plumpers with ingredients like marine collagen may realize a slight long term difference in lip volume.

When it comes to achieving fuller lips, dermal fillers are currently considered the gold standard. While they can be costly, dermal fillers are the fastest and most foolproof way to get the desired look. Laser lip treatments can impact lip volume as well, however the results are not as obvious as those of dermal fillers. Finally, lip glosses with plumping ingredients can be a budget option for anyone who wants a small but noticeable change.