The dos and don’ts of lip plumping

London lip queen Dr Rita Rakus offers her top tips on how to ‘pucker up’ safely

DON’T believe all you see or read on social media

Social media is full of unsafe and ridiculous lip-plumping practices. It is a very powerful tool that can be used to educate followers correctly, but it can also misinform. Unfortunately, many people believe what they see and read on social media platforms and this leads to misconceptions and unrealistic expectations as to what can and should be achieved in lip plumping. Sadly, it isn’t possible to police the majority of content posted.

DO speak to an expert — or two

I recommend that anyone considering the treatment speaks to at least one expert — or more if possible. It’s important to receive a clinician’s opinion on the kind of result they desire, based on facial framework and lifestyle. This helps you to understand the treatments available and also manage expectations as to how the lips will look once treated.

DO ask these 4 vital questions

It is always worth asking what risks are involved in the treatment. Whilst the procedure is generally very safe and performed on a daily basis, it is important you have a full understanding of the risks involved in order to make a fully informed decision as to whether you wish to go ahead.

Always check that the clinician is using natural hyaluronic filler, which can easily be dissolved if necessary. Some people are drawn to fillers that offer long-lasting results — however, these products tend to contain ingredients that can’t be dissolved in case of a problem, which can be very distressing.

Ask what qualifications and expertise the clinician has. Sadly, not all those who administer lip-enhancing treatments have the true experience required to deliver great results and you run the risk of being used as a human guinea pig. This is rare but it does happen so it’s important to ensure they have the correct skills necessary.

Always ask what the clinician would recommend in terms of the level of pumping and shape. A lot of patients come to me with an image in their head of what they would like to achieve when, in reality, it simply won’t suit their facial structure. The clinician is the expert so you should always make the most of their knowledge and listen to their recommendations to ensure you get the best result possible.

DON’T despair!

There are a number of signs that lips are ageing and the most common include wrinkles and fine lines around the lips or on the lips themselves, thinning lips and a gradual downturn in the corners of the mouth. Luckily, lip enhancements can normally target all three of these concerns no matter what stage the lips are at.

DO look after your lips?

Keeping your lips healthy and hydrated is key no matter how they may appear. If they aren’t cared for they tend to become sore, cracked and, in some cases, cold sores can appear. I recommend using a moisturising lip product on your lips daily and drinking lots of water so you’re keeping them hydrated — inside and out. Also, exfoliate them every few days as you would your face. This prevents the build-up of dead skin cells so they are smooth and healthy.

DO visit www.comparethetreatment.com for a safer patient journey

Any site that offers expert insight into a world that consumers may have little knowledge about is invaluable. There are very few websites with correct or credible information, which it can be misleading and dangerous. I would always recommend patients refer to sites such as CTT when researching treatments and clinics.

This article was updated on the 5th December 2020.