The danger of the growing trend of trout pouts and exaggerated lips

You only have to flick through magazines or watch reality TV shows to see that big lips are the look du jour. The trout pout, which is characterised by oversized, exaggerated lips, has become something of a 21^st century phenomenon, but it’s a worrying trend. A far cry from the natural-looking plumpness that can be achieved by safe filler treatment or even clever makeup tricks, the trout pout poses risks to health, wellbeing and self-confidence.The growing trout pout trendThe trout pout is a name given to the over-the-top aesthetic that is achieved by pumping the lips with filler. While big, voluminous lips have long been a sign of beauty, the trout pout is a step too far. A look sported by many TV stars, including those appearing in shows like Love Island, Keeping Up with the Kardashians and Geordie Shore, the exaggerated pout has grown in popularity in line with the rise of social media, influencing and the famous selfie. The trouble with the trout pout is that it’s not achievable without undergoing filler treatment, and there are risks involved with having treatment and also with having that much filler added to the lips.In years gone by, the options to enhance the lips were limited, but now, it couldn’t be easier to enhance your pout. In a matter of minutes, you can undergo treatment that will increase the size and fullness of your lips dramatically. As people in the public eye, for example, celebrities and Instagram and YouTube influencers showcase huge lips, the demand for treatment among the general public increases. There’s also the issue of doctoring and digitally enhancing photos. Some of the celebrities and social media stars may not even have fillers in their lips, but they use apps like Photoshop to make their lips look bigger, and this prompts their followers to want to emanate that look. Statistics show that lip augmentation is currently the most common non-surgical cosmetic treatment in the UK.The risks associated with lip fillersLip fillers are not always a dangerous treatment. It’s important to point out that they are a very effective and popular cosmetic treatment, which can make a major difference to how people look and feel, especially those who have naturally thin lips. Fillers start to become an area of concern when you talk about people who don’t have formal qualifications providing treatment. Cosmetic services like fillers and anti-wrinkle injections are currently not regulated and monitored in the same way as other medical and dental procedures, and as such, there are risks involved. Many dentists and doctors offer filler treatment, but you’ll also find that these services are provided by people who have no background or training in medicine or dentistry. This means that you could be treated by a person who has attended a very short training course or workshop, and wouldn’t necessarily know what to do if there were complications.Many people have filler treatment without any issues at all, but you should always be aware of the potential risks and side-effects. As the skin on the lips is so fragile and delicate, and the network of blood vessels is dense, bleeding is very common, and the lips may also become swollen and bruised. Although mild anaesthetics are used to numb the lips, pain is also a common side-effect. In some cases, complications including excessive bleeding, rashes and infections can occur. It is also possible for the filler to move, causing lumps to form underneath the skin surface.Reducing the risk of ending up with a trout poutMost people who are considering lip fillers want a natural aesthetic, which gives them a slightly fuller pout. To avoid the trout pout, bear these tips in mind:

• Research the treatment carefully before you make a decision
• Make sure you know what to expect during and after treatment
• Look for a reputable health professional who has the relevant training and expertise
• Avoid deals and discounts that look too good to be true
• Make sure you have realistic expectations
• Take your time to decide whether the treatment is right for you
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions
• Always ensure you Define Clinic, which is regulated by health bodies

In the last few years, the trout pout has become an increasingly popular feature of modern-day culture. With many celebrities and social media stars sporting full pouts, which are exaggerated in photos and magazine shoots, it’s no wonder that the desire to look this way has filtered through to followers and friends. There’s nothing wrong with wanting fuller, larger lips, but if you are thinking about having fillers, it’s so important to protect yourself and minimise the risks of complications by choosing a reputable clinic and visiting a health professional with the relevant expertise and qualifications. Seeing a doctor, a dentist or a highly-trained aesthetic practitioner will enable you to enjoy beautiful, natural results as well as peace of mind.