Why More Men Are Getting Lip Augmentations Than Ever Before
If you think lip augmentation is just for the ladies, think again, because the number of men opting for cosmetic procedures has been on a steady increase over the past 15 years. There are likely a variety of factors playing a part in the rising popularity of cosmetic treatments for men. While changing societal norms have undoubtedly contributed to the growing number of lip augmentations being performed for men, there may be an even larger piece to the puzzle: the rise of the selfie.
The Link between Lip Augmentations and Selfies
According to the annual report published by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, men accounted for 93 percent more soft tissue fillers, including injectable lip fillers, than was the case back in 2000. With such a large increase in male interest for cosmetic procedures like nonsurgical lip augmentation, many experts believe that the rise of social media and “the selfie” over the same period may point to a correlation between the two. (The American Society of Plastic Surgeons)
A common misconception in the cosmetic world is that only women feel societal pressure to look their absolute best. While it may be true that women perhaps face added pressure in this realm, men are certainly not immune to having feelings of inadequacy when it comes to their looks. This is especially true with today’s focus on constantly being “plugged in” to social media.
“Selfies”, the self-taken photos using the front cameras now widely available on smartphones, are increasingly numerous. As these images multiply and are shared, men are more frequently turning to cosmetic procedures in order to look, and therefore feel, their best.
How Lip Injections Work
One of the greatest benefits of choosing nonsurgical lip injections over more permanent implants is that a surgical procedure is not required, nor is extensive downtime expected. In fact, lip injections can even fit nicely into your lunch break, and most men can return to work and their other daily activities immediately after treatment.
Lip injections take about 10 to 20 minutes to perform, and they work by carefully placing naturally-occurring hyaluronic acid into your lips, which aids in tissue repair and mimics collagen production. The result is a subtle boost of volume or a change in shape that can make the lips appear more balanced and symmetrical.
It’s important to keep in mind, though, that while injectable lip fillers can yield excellent results, their effects are temporary and typically last from 6 months to a year, depending on your specific circumstances. But because the procedure is relatively quick and requires little to no downtime afterward, many men find that scheduling regular appointments is a convenient way to maintain excellent results. (The American Society of Plastic Surgeons)
The Bottom Line
In today’s modern social media centered society, men can feel pressured to put their best face forward, both online and in the increasingly competitive workplace. Lip augmentations are very likely becoming so popular among men due to this shift in societal values thanks to the rise of the selfie.
Even though the procedure is relatively laid-back and not very time-consuming, it’s still important that you work with a trained and experienced clinician when getting your lip injections. The quality of your results, as well as your safety, can very highly depend on the skill of the professional performing your procedure, so finding the right medical spa is an important first step.
At Acqua Blu Medical Spa in Pittsburgh and Wexford, our board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Brian Heil is dedicated to providing not only top-quality results but also a safe and comfortable experience. He would be happy to meet with you one-on-one to discuss your lip augmentation options and address any questions or concerns you might have. For more information, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Heil, please feel free to contact us at (724) 933-1800 and take the next step toward loving your new selfie-ready look.
