Research shows lip enhancers do not work
over-the-counter products sold with the promise of making lips
fuller fail to live up to manufacturers' promises, reports Simon
Pitman.
The small study was carried out on seven woman at at the University's Cosmetic Surgery Center, and the results were published in the May/June issue of the Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery.
"Many manufacturers have attempted to parlay the public's desire for quick and painless methods for cosmetic enhancement, with the promise of results similar to time-tested surgical and non-surgical methods," said Dr. Sam Most, assistant professor of facial plastic and reconstructive surgery in the UW School of Medicine.
"In many cases, these products are sold at the cosmetic counter or on the Internet as effective without scientific study, and consumers should be wary of them," he added.
The researchers revealed that in the case of one such products, most demonstrated that no lip enhancement was detected in any of the female patients that were observed.
"It should be noted that these patients were all quite motivated to try this product," Most said.
"While no adverse effects were noted, only 14 per cent said they would use the product again."
The study found that no statistically significant change in lip size was detected in patients who used the product, during treatments which times that ranged from one to four months. To ensure results optimization, before-and-after digital photographs were also used to quantify the lip measurements.
There are a number of proven methods of lip augmentation, including filler injections and surgery, Most said.
"In an age of ever-increasing demand for facial enhancements, many such devices or "cosmeceuticals" can be expected to be sold over the counter," he added. "Facial plastic surgeons have a responsibility to determine the efficacy of such products to provide unbiased, evidence-based advice to our patients. More studies such as this will likely be needed for such products as they come to market."
Many women in the US have been turning to Collagen injection to the lips in recent years, but in the light of media attention warning against adverse reactions to the procedure many individuals have been actively searching for a safer and effective alternative.
The procedure was approved by the FDA back in 1981 and has gradually developed into a major alternative to more radical surgical treatments, producing a fuller lip and at the same time reducing wrinkling around the mouth - a common sign of aging in many mature women.
Over-the-counter lip enhancers have likewise grown in popularity, providing women with a treatment that can be carried out at home. Commonly such products contain Lipo Amino Acids, together with moisturizing emollients and vitamins. Commonly manufacturers claim that fuller lips can be achieved in the space of two weeks.
