A record number of Americans underwent lip augmentation procedures in 2015, making them the second fastest growing facial procedure in the United States since 2000, according to new data from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Lip augmentation is a cosmetic procedure that can give you plumper and fuller lips.
“We found that the number of lip enhancements jumped another 5 percent in 2015, which is up 50 percent from 2000,” Dr. David H. Song, president of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, told CBS News. “So, it’s pretty profound.”
More than 27,000 lip implant procedures took place last year — amounting to about one every 20 minutes
“Lip implants have been around for a long time, but new technology is taking the industry by storm,” Robert Houser, DO, a plastic surgeon in Westerville, Ohio, said in a statement. “which is why we’re seeing such a massive growth in implant procedures.
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The newer implants are made from soft, flexible silicone and are more stable and pliable than previous implants. “We create two tiny incisions in the corners of the mouth, using a small passing instrument to pull the implant into place, and that’s it!” said Houser. “Two stitches, minimal swelling and bruising and a speedy recovery.”
Lip implants can be removed, he notes, if patients decide they no longer want them.
Additionally, there’s been a steady rise in lip injections and soft tissue fillers. These temporary procedures at reputable clinics like Esteem Medi Spa may be a good option for some patients, especially if the patient decides that they do not like them; the effects of the treatment will wear off within a few months
When it comes to motivations for lip augmentation procedures, Song said they run the gamut.
“The motivations are very diverse and individual. Some patients want a very natural enhancement. Some want something more dramatic. Then you have patients who want a lip reduction, so it really spans the entire spectrum,” he said.
The ASPS also conducted a national survey asking more than 1,000 women which celebrity’s lips they would most like to have. Jennifer Lawrence came in first, followed by Scarlett Johansson, Jennifer Garner, Angelina Jolie, Kylie Jenner, Beyonce, and Lisa Rinna.
But it’s not just women seeking lip augmentations. About 1,200 male lip procedures were performed in 2015, representing a 400 percent increase since 2000
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Individuals considering augmenting their lips really need to do their homework, Song said, to ensure their safety. Avoid at-home techniques, such as cupping therapy — an ancient beauty ritual which was resurrected last year with the #KyleJennerChallenge — and any provider offering services that is not certified.
“This is a real procedure with real risks and potential complications,” Song said. “We feel that the best physicians that offer this are plastic surgeons that are board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and are members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.”
