Lip Volumizing: In a Tube?

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If collagen injections are not an option for you, there may be an effective alternative that is sold right in your local cosmetic store.  Lip volumizers have become a must-have for many women over the past several years.  These lip-glosses act as an irritant to the lips that cause them to sting, redden and swell in order to appear fuller. 

“The first time I put it on, it killed,” comments 23-year-old Kaoru Yamamoto from Maryland.  “My mouth was red and swollen for hours.  It was worse for my friend.  She started screaming, ‘Take it off, take it off!’”

According to the record-breaking sales of these products however, women don’t seem to mind the pain for beauty.  Duwop, maker of one of the first lip volumizers “Lip Venom” had sales exceeding $20 million for the product within its first six years on the market. 

Dr. Paul Cohen, a Toronto dermatologist explains that the ingredients of the lip volumizers heighten circulation in the lips and cause the blood vessels to dilate.  Cohen claims that these products are safe for use and are a good alternative if collagen injections are not in your means. 

He agrees with other doctors however, that there is a risk for an allergic reaction.  “If you have a cut or sensitive skin, it could be irritating, but mostly it’s quite safe.”

Dr. Karen Burke, a specialist in cosmetic dermatology disagrees.  “You shouldn’t use lip plumpers.  I wouldn’t use something that purposely gives you an allergy,” says Burke.  “I wouldn’t induce an allergy because if you lick some, it could swell your throat and you’d have to be rushed to the hospital.” 

Lip plumpers, dependent on their potency, can be composed of different ingredients.  Some contain natural elements such as ginger, clove, green tea, and cinnamon, while others actually contain collagen in the formula.  The collagen in the volumizers is allegedly absorbed into the lips to inflate them.

There has been some discrepancy regarding the durability of these products.  While product sellers claim the results can last from four hours to several days, some consumers disagree.  “I definitely notice that my lips look redder.  But I don’t think it lasts, although I think some manufacturers make inferences that it does,” comments a 24-year-old lip plumper user. 

Lip volumizers, which are commonly sold at cosmetic specialty stores can range anywhere from $5 to $50 for the most sophisticated brands.  According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, these figures are far lower than the average $370 spent on collagen injections. 

Lip volumizers are not a permanent cosmetic enhancement by any means.  If you are interested in seeking permanently fuller lips, contact a board certified plastic surgeon to learn more about collagen injections. 


 


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