Who's Going to "Plump You Up?"

BY Lety SOto

February 2007

Does it plump, or does it not plump? That is the question. I think lip plumpers can be fun and flirty - they fall under the “false eyelashes and push up bra” category. The things that make us girls (and guys) go “oooh.” However, keep in mind that slathering on a lip plumper multiple times a day everyday will not maintain fullness. If you are using a lip plumper to temporarily enhance your pout for a special occasion or if several hundred dollars of lip plumping is not in your budget then go for it! Alternatively, if you truly want long lasting, fuller lips, the best option is to take the plunge and see a qualified doctor about injectable lip fillers. There are many different types of lip fillers on the market and many doctors offer this cosmetic service so it can certainly be a bit overwhelming.

Let me start with where not to go – I do not recommend going to your hair salon, a “doc-in-the-box” boutique, or places whose advertisements are along the lines of “buy one lip, get the other for free!” Like most things in life, it’s good to evaluate the risk/benefit ratio. More specifically, when you are shopping around for a cosmetic procedure, go to a qualified, experienced, cosmetic doctor. Don’t go cheap, remember it’s your face and people will see it everyday, especially you! If you want an exceptional result you need a doctor with exceptional skills not someone who is now offering this service after taking a weekend course. You don’t expect to buy your Manolo heels at Target, right? So, remember the old sayings “you get what you pay for” and “buyer beware.”

The American Medical Association (AMA) recommends that patients “choose a health care provider based on his or her training, education, experience and demonstrated practice history.” Ultimately, prospective patients need to choose a physician based on the specific procedure they are having. Assuming you’ve done your research and narrowed your choices to a couple of qualified doctors (we recommend cosmeticsurgery.org and locateadoc.com) the next step would be a consultation. The consultation is your opportunity to meet and discuss your questions and concerns about your procedure. Another reason for the consultation is to ensure that you not only feel comfortable with the doctor’s cosmetic skills and training, but also with their demeanor and style. You should always feel comfortable with the doctor and staff. All your concerns should be addressed! If you are unsure about the doctor’s qualifications, experience or demeanor it may be best for you to schedule another consultation elsewhere.

• Where they received their training; professional affiliations
• Whether he/she specializes in the cosmetic procedure you are seeking
• How many such cosmetic procedures they have performed
• To see their own patient’s before and after pictures.
• If they’ve ever had any complications and what those were

A procedure like this can be quite costly; however you are making an investment in yourself not just your appearance. Prices will vary greatly from office to office and most will not have a set price. This is because of the large variety of fillers to choose from, every filler has a different price and the physician must choose which one is right for you. Most of the time price goes by the syringe, once the physician has chosen your appropriate injectable they will be able to let you know what type, how many syringes and what the approximate price is. As would be expected the cost generally increases with the duration of the product. You want your treatment to be personalized so that you get the best pout to suit your facial structure. Happy lip plumping! I hope this has helped clear up some of your concerns.