Love Island, Lip Fillers and Tox: The Worrying Reality

We're not here to mock or to judge, and quite frankly we're bored of women being scrutinised and analysed based on their appearance. However, it's obviously a topic that, as the UK's biggest website for booking non-surgical treatments, we feel compelled to unpick and a discussion that we have frequently: The Love Island Effect.

Since Love Island charged onto our screens back in 2015, cosmetic practitioners have seen a rise in the number of young women wanting to look like the ones they see on screen. So much so that it’s been termed ‘the Love Island effect’. But so many young women are simply choosing the wrong 'clinics' for their enhancements.

What is the Love Island effect - and is it normal?

The Love Island effect refers to the increase in young women (and men) getting cosmetic treatments due to the influence of TV stars. Shows like Love Island have been accused of promoting a so-called ‘ideal’ version of women - with plump lips, a square jaw, flat stomach and big boobs. But of course, the majority of us don’t fit into this category, which can, at times, lead us to feel pretty inadequate. It’s human nature to want to be the best we can possibly be - and even more so to compare ourselves to others, but there’s a fine line between subtle enhancements and drastic changes.

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^{Could the tide be turning? Former Love Island contestant Molly-Mae Hague has been gradually having her fillers dissolved and choosing a more natural look.}

So do fillers and tox always make you look fake?

The short answer is no. Tox and fillers are fantastic treatments that can help enhance looks, yet the Love Island effect is unfortunately giving them a bad reputation.

From our thirties, collagen production reduces, meaning that wrinkles start to show, our skin begins to sag and our lips become thinner, so it’s understandable that we might want to regain a rejuvenated look and a bit of lost confidence (and volume) and that's fine. On the whole, fillers and Botox, when done correctly – at the appropriate age – won’t alter your face, it won't be obvious and most other people wouldn't be able to 'spot' you've had some rejuvenation.

Sadly, however, because of the rise of programmes like Love Island, Lip fillers have become a bit of a trend that a lot of very young women feel they should be having - and excessive volume is often their main goal.

Non-medics capitalising on vulnerable women.

A core problem is that nobody is saying no to these young women. While there is an argument for pro-choice and who are we to judge if someone likes the ‘fake’ look, many patients should, actually, simply be turned away. Yet, what we’re seeing is beauticians and lay practitioners, using contestants in their promotional activity across social media “Get lips like Faye”, “Love Island Lips For You”. It is big business. As non-medics, they don’t have a duty of care, they aren’t answerable to a statutory body, they have only one thing on their agenda – money.

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^{Don't risk seeing someone who will mess up your face. Find and choose a medically qualified professional here.}

Why is it such a big deal?

The worrying thing is that fillers are not prescription. This means that anyone can get their hands on it and inject the substance. This is terrifying for several reasons: Without the right training and qualifications, A) If something goes wrong, who’s going to fix it?; B) The chances are you won’t look great. What you don’t want is a pair of lips that is seen before you are.

It’s also vital that the practitioner is able to distinguish between someone wanting to enhance the way they look, and body dysmorphia. If someone suffers with body dysmorphia, and completely wants to change the way they look - particularly a young woman - they should be guided to the help of a psychologist in order to get the help they really need rather than undergo a treatment they might later regret.

Where can I get the Love Island package?

There are too many unscrupulous, non-medically qualified practitioners out there who are willing to keep on injecting the ml - even when it’s clear that no more is needed. There are even practitioners out there who offer a Love Island package, suggesting treatments you can have to look like the onscreen stars. They also undercut medically qualified practitioners to attract a lot more clients. But price reflects expertise.

While we might want to look our best, we don’t need to look like anyone else. It’s not about trying to look like others, or falling into the trap of thinking, ‘well, she’s had it, so I need it too’.

What’s often forgotten - or not even realised - is that non-invasive treatments such as Botox and fillers can be wonderful - when done by an experienced, medically qualified practitioner - and when done subtly. But unfortunately, for many young women, it’s a case of ‘go big or go home’.

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^{Lips done the right way, an example of natural and subtle lip enhancement from Gema Lorenzo Aesthetics. Book on Glowday.com}

How to avoid the Love Island effect

So, how do you avoid the Love Island effect but look your best you? Well, this comes down to several factors. A healthy diet, drinking plenty of water, exercise and great skincare are all the basics, and then if you still really want to make some enhancements, speak to a medically qualified practitioner who can help you determine the right non-invasive treatments based on your expectations.

Consider what it is that you really want to enhance and why. And if you decide that a treatment such as tox or dermal fillers is for you, always make sure you go to someone who really knows what they are doing. It’s okay not to look like you belong on a reality TV show.