The Dangers of Buying into Beauty Trends
Staying on trend is an important part of many people’s lives and the beauty standards of today have amplified the pressure to keep up. With constant access to social media, there is more time and an incentive to compare yourself to others online. This has resulted in a surge of dangerous beauty trends that are claimed to improve your image and overall self-confidence.
There has been a recent trend circulating on social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube, which has concerned many cosmetic surgeons around the world. It is one of the newer trends circulating online and involves the use of Hyaluron pens.
This device uses pressurised air to quickly insert fillers into parts of your body. Hyaluron pens were originally used for insulin, however people are now sharing tutorials on how to use the device to plump up lips at home.
What are Lip Fillers?
Dermal fillers have become increasingly popular over the years, claiming to increase self confidence. At Suffolk Breast Practice, we understand how social platforms can make such an impact on people’s lives, however as responsible surgeons it is our duty to explain that no clinical procedures should be performed at home.
The Risks of At-Home Lip Fillers
When it comes to paying for cosmetic surgery, you are paying for more than the procedure itself. Aside from a surgeon’s years of professional training, you are also getting real medical advice, experience and most importantly, the correct sterilised equipment. Filler procedures are much more complex than simply inserting the filler.
Certain sites are marketing these Hyaluron pens as a less invasive, cheaper way of plumping your lips and using fillers from the comfort of your own home. Whilst the ‘no needle’ technique might seem tempting, it uses a ‘shotgun’ effect that breaks down the skin’s barrier and can cause serious swelling if not used in the right way.
Additionally, when performing these DIY lip filler procedures at home, you may not be aware of the extent of damage that can come from this. The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery outlines how certain sites are using incorrect and misleading information to attract their audience.
You can never be completely confident of what you’ll get when purchasing items online and where they come from. Experts are worried about people’s lack of knowledge about the ingredients used in the fillers. Many doctors have highlighted that some of the pens being promoted use hyaluronic acid, which can cause blindness when used on the face.
We understand that during COVID-19, home-alternatives can be useful, but not when it comes to face alterations and in particular when administering yourself with such products. A decision like this can cause long lasting damage. Like all cosmetic surgery, nothing should be seen as a quick-fix and all decisions should be taken with research and professional consultation.
With lots of dangerous beauty trends circulating online, it is more important than ever to use social media platforms to educate the public. That is why, here at Suffolk Breast Practice, it is our responsibility to stay on top of such alarming trends. The health of our patients is our priority and whilst we don’t make any judgements, we want to help our clients and ensure that any surgery they go ahead with is undertaken in the safest way possible.
