Celebs likes Rosie Hungtington-Whiteley and Angelina Jolie are famous for their full lips and smouldering pouts. Kylie Jenner, the youngest of the Kardashian-Jenner clan, has recently made headlines for all the wrong reasons thanks to her oversized trout pout. 

If you’re thinking of jumping on the lip plumping band wagon, then read below as we list the good, the bad and the ugly of lip augmentation.

Temporary lip enhancement methods include lip balms, creams, glosses and serums and are popular because they are affordable, offer immediate results and aren’t permanent.This method is great for women who are not big on the idea of permanently plump lips.

Side effects can include stinging and tingling as the ingredients actively take effect, which can cause minor discomfort. Moreover, because balms and creams lack longevity, constant re-application is vital.

We recommend O-Plump by Smashbox Cosmetics (R250 at selected Woolworths stores.)

Semi-permanent lip enhancement like lip massagers and vacuums are popular amongst women who want natural looking results that some injectables cannot offer. Lip vacuums are favourable too because thereare no gooey substances needed or expensive doctors visits.

However, mechanical devices mean that incorrect use and cheap imitations can lead to serious and sometimes permanent lip damage. Lip massages and lip vacuums aren’t too popular in South Africa as we tend to gravitate towards using balms and creams or injectable fillers.

Injectable dermal fillers are the most commonly used method of lip augmentation. Dr. Stuart Paul Geldenhuys, a practicing cosmetic surgeon in Cape Town, has recently begun using Juvederm® Volbella, a new facial filler designed to gently restore lip volume and lip contours. 

 Juvederm®Volbella contains hyaluronic acid, which is responsible for keeping our skin plump and hydrated and is found naturally in our body. As we age our production of hyaluronic acid slows down, this is when we need it from external sources.

Says Dr Geldenhuys: “We are currently using Juvederm® with Vycross™ technology which means that the filler will look smooth and natural. We love this technology because recovery time is quick. Swelling and bruising, while minimal, disappears in 7 days and the filler itself lasts for 18 months which is much longer than most fillers which last only six months.”

Injectable dermal fillers start at R2000. 

By Cynthia Gwebu

As you can see there are plenty of options when it comes to methods of lip enhancement. Which would you choose?