Facial tweakments such as lip fillers and Botox have been rapidly rising in popularity in the last few years. Known as tweakments, these are minor cosmetic procedures which subtly alter the appearance of facial features.

Lip fillers have been a top beauty trend for the last five years. A full, plump pout has been sought after by many, and the demand for this look has shown no signs of slowing. In fact, lip fillers have become as commonplace as teeth whitening and other minor beauty enhancements. A survey by SaveFace revealed that 59% of people compared lip fillers to getting a manicure or a haircut.

However, It is no secret that 2020 has been a peculiar year for the whole world. The Coronavirus pandemic has massively changed the way we live our lives. One of the main changes we are all having to live with is mask-wearing. So, now that we are legally obliged to cover half our faces while we are out and about, does this mean the end of the lip trend? Will wearing a face-covering change our facial tweakment choices?

Are Lip Fillers And Facial Tweakments Decreasing In Popularity?

Everyone in the UK has been spending a lot more time at home this year. Working from home is more popular than ever, and social events are now at a minimum. This means most of us are seeing far fewer people than we usually would. It is having a big impact on the world of facial tweakments. When people aren’t heading out to parties and weddings or jetting off on holiday, some are choosing to skip their usual lip fillers and cosmetic procedures.

Face coverings are now mandatory in many public places and across public transport in the UK. Similar regulations are in place all across the world. This requirement to cover our faces could also lead many people to decide against facial tweakments. After all, why undergo procedures and spend the money on lip fillers just to cover them up or stay indoors?

In reality, beauty clinics are seeing other cosmetic procedures rise in popularity, particularly Botox and eye enhancements. As we cover the lower half of our faces, more people are looking to enhance the eyes and brows. While lip fillers might not be top of everyone’s cosmetic wish list right now, that certainly doesn’t mean the trend is gone for good.

Lip Fillers And The Zoom Effect

One of the most surprising impacts of lockdown and the Coronavirus pandemic on the cosmetic industry is the Zoom effect. As more and more of us are using video conferencing to stay in touch with colleagues, friends and family, we are noticing our own appearance more than ever.

Twelve months ago, we wouldn’t dream of spending hours a day looking at our own camera reflections on screen. It has been the first chance many of us have had to truly analyse our facial features and how we appear to others.

Despite having to wear masks in public, the Zoom effect has meant many individuals are choosing cosmetic procedures simply to improve their online appearance. Lip fillers, jaw enhancements and Botox have all been popular treatments for regular Zoomers.

These facial tweakments can help improve confidence and happiness in appearance, even when staying at home. Not only that but with mask-wearing and more time indoors, those who undergo cosmetic procedures can recover in private. Lip fillers can occasionally cause swelling and bruising after the procedure. Having to wear a mask has been a welcome move for those wanting to recover without anyone seeing.

Mask-Wearing And Facial Concerns

While fuller lips may not be the top priority for facial treatments with the rise of mask-wearing, the fact that people are wearing face-coverings more frequently is presenting some skincare issues. Consequently, the priority for many patients is to seek help for skincare concerns rather than aesthetic enhancements.

For example, wearing a face mask is leading to increased cases on acne, known as ‘mascne’. Face mask acne can occur due to a build-up of bacteria in the mask (for example, not washing it frequently). Furthermore, the moisture from breathing within the mask creates a humid environment where acne-causing bacteria can thrive.

It is possible to treat ‘mascne’ with a high-quality but mild anti-inflammatory cleanser. Cleansers with salicylic acid can help to reduce oil production in congested areas of the skin. If your acne is particularly problematic, then Hans Place Practice can help with prescription-based treatments such as Obagi Skincare.

Another face mask skincare concern is rosacea. Rosacea is a skin condition that can cause facial redness. It can also cause a burning or stinging sensation when using some skincare products or even when applying water to the face. The heat and humidity when wearing a mask may cause a flare-up of rosacea, as can stress and the colder weather.

To help your skin, focus on only using gentle skincare products that are specially formulated for sensitive skin. If your rosacea is particularly severe, then prescription skincare and antibiotics can help to relieve symptoms.

Post-Lockdown Facial Tweakments

During the Coronavirus lockdown in the UK, cosmetic clinics were forced to close their doors. This meant there was an enforced detox for many individuals who regularly have treatments such as lip fillers. While for some this break from facial tweakments was not welcome, it did give patients the chance to truly see the benefits.

For many regular tweakers, the lockdown was the first opportunity they have had for lip fillers to completely dissolve. This meant they could really reflect on whether they were worthwhile or not and broke the cycle of constant top-ups.

A huge number of individuals began to realise the true results of their regular treatments after being unable to have them. When salons and clinics were once again able to reopen, many were filling their appointment books with requests for lip fillers and other facial tweakments from those who were missing their regular procedures.

Today, lip fillers are still in high demand among some, whilst others are shying away because of mask-wearing and more time indoors. Other facial enhancements might be taking priority currently, but lip fillers remain a popular choice when it comes to cosmetic treatments.

Lip Fillers At Hans Place Practice

Lip fillers are a type of dermal filler. It is injected into the lips to add volume and define the shape. As we age, our lips can lose plumpness and fullness as our collagen levels decrease. Some people have naturally thin lips which can lead to self-consciousness and dissatisfaction with their appearance. Lip fillers work to enhance and contour the lips to either create a new shape or a fuller appearance.

Here at Han Place Practice, we are experts in administering lip fillers to create a subtle and natural look. Dr Mike Comins is an award-winning medical aesthetics expert who specialises in minimally invasive treatments. He founded the practice in 1999 and has many years’ experience in aesthetic medicine.

We aim to make every one of our patients feel their very best. Lip fillers at Hans Place Practice is a quick and simple procedure so that you can be back to your daily life immediately. Dr Mike Comins can answer any questions you might have about our lip fillers procedure, to make sure it is the right choice for you. Whether you are new to lip fillers and lockdown has made you see yourself in a new light, or you’ve been having a break from treatments, our team of experts are here to help.

To find out more, please get in touch with our friendly team.