Lindsay Lohan, Brittany Murphy and Katie Price are all rumoured to have had a boost for their lips thanks to a shot of collagen and an enhanced pout is the latest fashion accessory for the glamour girl about town. Female First look at how dermal fillers work and whether it's worth the trout pout risk.
A dermal filler is a substance which is injected into the skin to plump it up and make it firmer. They are most commonly used to reduce lines and wrinkles and, of course, to fill out lips.
The Procedure
The filler is injected, usually without the need for local anaesthetic, into the area that is being treated.
The filler then remains in the skin where it binds with water to produce a lift and firmness to the treated areas.
Traditionally collagen fillers, which are made from a substance taken from cow hide, were used in these procedures.
However these days collagen has been mostly replaced by man made fillers such as Restylane and Teosyal. These substances are specifically designed for each area enabling the treatment to be administered quickly with minimal recovery time.
Man made fillers are also animal-free which some people prefer and they are safer because they have a reduced chance of allergic reaction whereas approx 2-3% of people have an allergic reaction to collagen.
The Recovery
You can expect some degree of redness and swelling after the treatment, which usually clears up within 1-2 days.
The Risks
Dermal fillers are one of the lowest risk cosmetic treatments- but we've all seen what happened to Lesley Ash so it's important to understand the risks.
The dermal fillers have a low incidence of allergic reaction but there is a very small possibility your body may react to them . Reactions include prolonged redness, swelling, itching and or hardness and bumps in the skin. These symptoms usually disappear after a few months but in very rare cases they can stick around for longer.
There is also the risk that the results may not be even or may be more dramatic than you expected- however if you use a reputable surgeon and have at least one consultation beforehand then this should not happen.
The Cost
Dermal filler procedures vary in cost depending on the area you are treating but prices usually range from £150 to £750.
The Verdict
Dermal fillers are one of the least risky cosmetic procedures and in most cases they can be carried out with very minimal side effects. However it is still an unnecessary treatment and should be considered as carefully as any cosmetic procedure.
Keep your eye on Female First for some alternatives to cosmetic treatments coming later in the month......
Caz Moss- Female First