Dermatologists, plastic surgeons and cosmetic doctors - you can think of them as our modern-day Michelangelos.
They have the tools, knowledge (and a steady hand, thank God) to sculpt, smooth and transform nearly every part of our faces with the slightest prick of a needle.
And nowhere is that more apparent than in these lip injectables trends that are very likely to go viral in 2023.
It's easy to make a case for them. They all promise one thing: natural-looking lips.
That's important because lip augmentation is one of the fastest-growing segments of the non-surgical cosmetic procedure market.
Natural-looking enhancements are becoming the go-to treatment philosophy. The best injectors now customize their treatment plans to highlight each patient's unique natural beauty.
Even those who have ridden the wave of the overly-puffed pout are quickly switching camps.
Achieving natural and subtle results will continue to be the direction lip injections move in 2023 and beyond. Here are 3 of the treatments leading that movement from the front.
1. Lip Tenting
This lip injectables trend was developed by aesthetic doctor Tom van Eijk and is being adopted all over the world.
It is a lip-filling technique in which hyaluronic acid filler is injected in multiple tiny amounts almost vertically along the line of the Cupid's bow.
This is different from the usual lip injections, which are usually done horizontally. Each stroke of filler forms a "tent pole" in the lips up to the white roll, hence the name "tenting".
The injections can be placed with a sharp needle or blunt cannula. Thinner hyaluronic acid fillers provide a subtler plump and smoothing effect, while thicker fillers provide more evident volume and hydration.
Why is lip tenting becoming so popular?
- If you want a fuller effect on your upper lip or a more defined cupid's bow, the lip tenting technique could be right for you.
- Compared to traditional linear lip filler, which focuses on volume enhancement, tenting can offer a more structural enhancement.
For example, it gives more support to the philtrum, (the vertical furrow between the upper lip and the base of the nose.)
It is known to create a more natural look as it allows good control over the shape and volume of the filler. Also, the filler is injected in multiple smaller portions to prevent migration of the filler.
That said, most injectors will employ a combination of both techniques.
The downside of lip tenting is this technique requires a higher number of tiny injections, which increases the risk of bruising with multiple punctures and possibly more discomfort.
Also, only work with an experienced injector. You do not want to end up in the statistics of lip filler horror stories.
Here’s a Youtube video of the inventor of the technique, Dr Ejik demonstrating it.
2. Lip Flip with Botox Injections
We have always associated lip injections with dermal fillers. This is where the "lip flip" deviates from the norm.
We suspect that the lip flip will be on the rise again next year, especially among those looking for improved lip structure rather than volume.
This lip injectables trend involves placing a few precise units of Botox along the upper lip muscle near the border, to relax and "flip" the lip to reveal more of the upper lip.
During the lip flip procedure, Botox is injected into the philtrum muscle that sits above the upper lip. The neurotoxin relaxes the muscle and prevents the lip from being pulled down.
This tilts the lip slightly upwards, exposing more of the vermilion (the top lip). In turn, creating the illusion of a fuller, plumper but natural-looking upper lip.
Another area where the muscle-relaxing effects of Botox are useful is in our gummy smile treatment. We use Botox injections to naturally relax the lip muscles and reduce the appearance of visible gums.
That goes to point out the versatility of Botox!
Why is the lip flip becoming so popular?
- A subtle fullness is achieved - the kind that looks less like "I had something done" and more like "I woke up like this."
- Fillers tend to be more expensive than Botox, making this a cost-effective method of lip enhancement.
But there is a disclaimer. You should only work with a certified injection specialist. Too much Botox can weaken your upper lip so much that your smile looks flat. Worse, something as simple as drinking from a straw could be affected! Don't entrust your face to back alley injectors.
3. Cherry Lips
One technique that is piquing patients' interest is "Cherry Lip" injections. With the growing desire for a natural-looking result, many lip filler patients will want to change up their current lip technique in 2023.
One of the options they may land on is the 'Cherry Lips' method.
Originally popularised in Korea, 'cherry lips" are a playful nod to the shape that the filler technique creates.
Instead of plumping up the lips by spreading the filler over the entire lip area, practitioners instead focus on filling in only the central areas of the upper and lower lips. Unlike the "lip tenting" technique, in this case, the provider is injecting a large amount into an area.
Specifically, the middle area is filled to create the illusion of two cherries within the lip.
Why Cherry Lips Are So Popular
Because the filler is not administered to the outer areas of the lip, the practitioner can focus on the centre to create the natural-looking pout that patients strive for.
Patients and injectors love this technique because it gives a very feminine, doll-like look with a natural finish.
The technique also mimics many of the trending filters we see on social media, especially TikTok.
Unlike the "lip tenting" technique, here the provider is injecting a large amount into an area.
Ready for a Natural-Looking Pout in Birmingham, UK
Techniques such as Lip Tenting, Lip Flip, and Cherry Lips method, represent a larger movement toward natural-looking enhancements and will dominate lip injectbales trends in 2023.
Apart from natural-looking results, there is another commonality between these three lip injectables trends. And that is the client's selection is key. Are you the ideal client for any of these treatments? Remember, no lip is equal.
The desired beautiful, subtle, and natural look can only be achieved if it is balanced with the rest of the facial features.
This means you need an injector with a firm grasp of the anatomy of the lips and knows the difference between the upper and lower lip intimately.
Anything less and you will be left wondering what the hype was all about, or worse, still disappointed with your result.
If you are in the Birmingham area on nearby towns, give Dr Aesthetica a call or visit. We would love to discuss with you whether any of these treatments might just be what you need for your 2023 glow on!
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