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Fuller lips have been associated with beauty and youthfulness. The popularity of lip augmentation has skyrocketed thanks to influencers and celebrities sharing their experiences with lip fillers openly on various social media platforms. Thanks to the advent of injectable dermal fillers composed of hyaluronic acid, beautiful, natural-looking lip augmentation has never been more widely available. Juvederm and Restylane dermal fillers are two of the most popular types of hyaluronic acid fillers used by NYC dermatologist Dr. Michele Green to achieve hydrated, soft, plump, kissable lips.

The lips are one of the most defining features of the face and often one of the first areas where we can observe the effects of age-related volume loss. At first, it may seem overwhelming to find a solution for achieving a fuller, plumper pout until you realize just how simple and beautiful lip augmentation with lip filler really is. Non-invasive cosmetic treatments, including Botox injections and lip enhancement with dermal fillers, have very few potential side effects and essentially no downtime, revolutionizing cosmetic dermatology and making many invasive plastic surgery procedures obsolete. Dr. Michele Green is an expert in lip fillers and is known as the “lip queen” due to her natural looking and expertly performed lip augmentation. Her “less is more” philosophy to cosmetic injections of dermal fillers has her consistently voted as one of the best cosmetic dermatologists in New York for the past 25 years.

When you choose to work with Dr. Green, you can feel confident that as your injector, she has both the experience and the expertise to deliver the best overall results. Whether it is correcting and replacing lost volume with thinner lips, helping to remove fine lines around the mouth with dermal fillers, or just increasing the natural look of a beautiful, fuller pout, Dr. Green is here to help. She expertly combines the science of cosmetic dermatology with the artistry of aesthetics to provide each patient with natural-looking, beautiful results. For her dedication to her patients and expertise, she is consistently identified as one of the best dermatologists in New York City by Castle Connolly, Super Doctors, and New York Magazine.

What is Lip Augmentation?

Generally speaking, lip augmentation refers to a procedure where a lip filler is injected into the lips to add extra volume to the lip area. However, lip augmentation treatments cover a wide spectrum of different procedures and can help improve several aspects of the lips. This can include the shape of the lips, the structure of the lips, the overall volume of the lips, the cupid’s bow, and the lines around the lips. These lines around the lips may be caused by volume loss, age, smoking, or photodamage.

Lip Augmentation with lip fillers is a process whereby the lips are increased in size to give the overall impression of fuller, plumper, more luscious lips. Lip augmentation has become a highly sought-after cosmetic procedure in New York City and around the world, largely thanks to social media exposure and beauty trends. Anyone looking for a more dramatic pout who is suffering from thin lips or is noticing volume reduction in their lips associated with aging can benefit from having lip augmentation.

Today, the most common lip augmentation procedure involves a dermal filler, which is injected into the lips to add extra volume, definition, and fullness. There are several different treatments available – however, one of the most common treatments is to inject hyaluronic acid (HA) into the lips. Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance produced by the body, and fillers based on this substance can help improve the overall look of the lips by providing increased volume.

There are many different methods of lip enhancement available today. Dr. Michele Green is an expert in lip filler injections, and after a consultation in her New York City Upper East Side office, she can discuss with you the best ways to treat this area. Whether you want just a “lip flip” with Botox, more volume with voluptuous lips like Kylie Jenner, or simply a subtle lip enhancement, Dr. Green will help you decide what is the best aesthetic choice for you based on your facial features and desired results.

What are lip fillers? Which Types of Dermal Fillers are commonly used for Lip Augmentation in NYC?

Lip fillers are used to enhance lip volume and definition, creating a more luscious pout. The type of filler product selected for lip augmentation will be dependent upon the aesthetic goals of the patient. The accessibility of lip augmentation has never been better, thanks to the advent of hyaluronic acid lip fillers.

  • Restylane – is commonly used to enhance lips with subtle and natural-looking results.
  • Juvederm Ultra Plus– is one of the most popular hyaluronic acid fillers for greater lip enhancement. The more syringes used, the fuller lips that are formed; the greater the lip augmentation, the larger the pout.
  • Restylane Silk – best used for fine lines around the mouth, commonly referred to as “smoker’s lines.”
  • Restylane Kysse – is exclusively designed to plump the lips and treat the fine lines around the lips. Restylane Kysse is used to provide more hydration, often giving the “Russian doll” effect.
  • Belotero Balance – is also used for fine lines around the mouth and can be used in addition to laser injections and Botox for lip lines.
  • Juvederm Volbella – commonly used for restoring lip shape and ” cupid’s bow” and correcting lip asymmetry.

Dermal filler lip augmentation vs. Plastic surgery

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, there is an ever-growing demand for lip augmentation options. However, many patients wonder about the best choice for lip enhancement. Before dermal fillers became widely available for lip augmentation, many patients turned to surgical options, such as fat grafting or surgical implants. Fat grafting is a surgical procedure in which fat tissue is taken from another part of your body – typically the abdomen – using liposuction and then inserted into the lips for a fuller pout. This invasive procedure lasts for five years before needing to be repeated to maintain the treatment results. Silicone implants are another surgical option that involves an incision in the lips and the insertion of silicone implants that remain permanently in the lips to provide shape and volume. Any surgical procedure has a significant risk of developing serious side effects, including scarring, bleeding, infection, and lasting pain, and the recovery time is substantial. While surgical procedures have results that last longer, their permanent nature means that it is much more difficult to make adjustments after the treatment if patients are looking for a change.

On the other hand, dermal filler lip augmentation provides patients with beautiful results without the need for significant downtime or the risk of substantial side effects. Dermal fillers can help shape the lips, give a fuller pout, and erase fine lines surrounding the mouth, all without the need for any recovery time. Since dermal fillers are not permanent, patients can decide whether they would like to maintain the look at each touch-up appointment or make adjustments. These advantages make dermal fillers a popular, safe, and effective choice for lip enhancement.

Lip Injection Treatments 2 MGWatermark

What are the side effects of dermal fillers?

Dermal fillers are a safe and effective treatment for lip augmentation and are not associated with many side effects. Like all injectable treatments, there is a risk of swelling, bruising, and redness at the injection site following treatment. Patients can reduce the risk of swelling and bruising by icing the treatment site following the procedure, avoiding excessive heat for 48 hours post-treatment, and refraining from blood thinners in the days before the injections. Any mild side effects of dermal filler treatment should subside without the need for any medical intervention within a week of receiving the injections. The risk of more significant side effects, such as injection into a blood vessel, increases when visiting an inexperienced injector, which is why it is essential to seek out an expert injector like Dr. Green.

Juvederm Ultra-XC for lip augmentation

Juvederm Ultra Plus-XC is an alternative FDA-approved filler that is very popular with those looking for lip augmentation. Hyaluronic acid is also used in this filler to enhance the lips. One of the key differences with this filler is that it is a very highly cross-linked form of hyaluronic acid. This means that the filler is much less likely to be broken down as quickly. On the other hand, this slow breaking down of the filler means that Juvederm Ultra-XC generally lasts between nine to twelve months before the next treatment is required. For those individuals who are looking for longer-lasting results with just one treatment a year, Juvederm Ultra-XC may be the recommended course of action. Your dermatologist will be able to provide specific recommendations based on your requirements at the time of your initial consultation.

Restylane for Lip Enhancement

Restylane Silk is an FDA-approved hyaluronic acid formulation that is specifically designed to be similar to your body’s natural hyaluronic acid. Restylane Silk comes in a clear gel formulation and can provide very natural-looking results. It is primarily used for a very subtle lip line or augmentation. Restylane Silk lasts between six and nine months, and therefore, most patients may need one to two treatments per year.

It’s worth making a distinction between Restylane Silk and regular Restylane as, for many, the names are interchangeable. However, their uses are not. Regular Restylane is normally used for the lips, nasolabial folds, and hands to provide extra volume. Restylane Silk is used for the finer lines around the mouth as well as recreating the philtrum, which is the vertical groove between the base of the nose and the border of the upper lip.

Restylane Kysse is a newer lip filler made of hyaluronic acid and designed exclusively for the lips. Restylane Kysse not only plumps the lips but it also improves lip color and texture, making the lips look more luscious. It is FDA-approved to improve the fine lines above the lips, as well as enhance overall lip volume, definition, and fullness.

Juvederm Volbella® for lip enhancement

Juvederm Volbella® is also a hyaluronic acid filler that the FDA approves for lip augmentation treatments. One of the advantages of this particular treatment is that it is great at treating perioral lines. These lip lines often develop from smoking or general skin damage over time. This filler is also a great lip filler and has been designed to give the lips a soft and natural feel. In addition, the filler is longer lasting and can provide enhancement for up to one year after the injection.

S.G 2 weeks Before and After Restylane Lips 1 syringe MGWatermark

Restylane for lips – 2 weeks before and after

Belotero Balance® for lip filler

Belotero Balance® is another injectable dermal filler that is similar to the other fillers listed here and is also based on a hyaluronic acid formulation.

Dr. Green recommends Belotero Balance® for certain areas of the mouth and lips. Areas that can be treated with Belotero Balance® include the corners of the mouth to enhance a person’s smile and stop it from turning down constantly, nasolabial folds, vertical lip lines, and marionette lines, which start at the corners of the mouth and extend down toward the chin.

One of the benefits of Belotero Balance® is that the post-treatment appearance of the lips (such as swelling and bruising) is less noticeable since this filler does not cause the temporary “Tyndall effect,” where the skin has the appearance of a bluish hue due to light passing through the clear filler substance beneath the skin. Again, it should be noted that the results from Belotero Balance® should last approximately six months before a repeat treatment is required.

What is the process of having Lip Augmentation in NYC?

Prior to your lip filler treatment, you will first have a cosmetic consultation with Dr. Michele Green in her discreet dermatology office located in the Upper East Side of Manhattan, in New York City. A series of photographs are taken during your consultation to be used in determining the most appropriate cosmetic procedures for your facial structure. Once a customized treatment plan for you has been developed that caters to your anatomy and cosmetic goals, then you may have treatment on the same day as your consultation or schedule your procedure for a later date, depending on your preference and time allowance. On the day of your lip filler treatment, a topical anesthetic should be applied to the treatment area an hour in advance of your appointment time. The dermal filler products used for lip filler are typically compounded with lidocaine, ensuring maximum patient comfort throughout the procedure. Just before Dr. Green performs your lip augmentation, the treatment area will be sterilized using several cleansing agents. Then, Dr. Green will inject the lips.

The procedure of lip augmentation using dermal fillers takes around 20 minutes to perform, and afterward, there may be some minor swelling or bruising. Dr. Green will make sure that both the upper and lower lips are injected in a beautiful, natural-looking, and well-balanced manner. Immediately upon completion of the injections, an ice compress is placed directly onto the injection sites to minimize any localized swelling. We also advise our patients to refrain from taking any oral blood thinners or vitamins, which can cause bruising, for at least one week before their injections. If you have an increased propensity for bruising, Dr. Green recommends taking an oral herbal supplement called Arnika for 1-2 days before your appointment.

Who is the Best Candidate for Lip Fillers?

The best candidate for lip fillers is someone who is healthy and wants to enhance or rejuvenate the overall appearance of the lips and perioral area. Generally, younger patients are interested in achieving an improved size and shape of their lips with a fuller, plumper pout. Many want more luscious lips to enhance the other natural features they have. While women have been traditionally the ones to ask for lip fillers, men now count for up to 10 percent of new cosmetic filler injections.

Older patients usually have a two-pronged approach to lip fillers. Since a larger volume in the lips might look artificial, Dr. Michele Green uses a “less is more” philosophy for her lip injections. Typically, a finer, more subtle hyaluronic acid filler is used for more mature patents to the lips themselves and surrounding lip lines. These injections are often combined with lasers such as Fraxel and Thermage to tighten and reduce the lines around the mouth and produce new collagen. Resurfacing the lines around the mouth is often combined with cosmetic injections to give overall improved results. In this way, both the skin around your upper lip and your lips are rejuvenated and still look natural and beautiful.

BM Before after 1 ultra in the lips MGWatermark

Before and after 1 Juvederm Ultra in Lips

What are the Benefits of Lip Injections?

The main benefit of lip enhancement is fuller, more beautiful lips. Some patients are very self-conscious about their lips and feel that they are uneven or asymmetric. With lip fillers, Dr. Green can even out the asymmetries in your lips and enhance your natural beauty. Many patients feel more confident after cosmetic facial injections, especially lip injections, as they have a renewed sense of attractiveness. Lip augmentation has little or no downtime, with minimal swelling and bruising. The results of the lip injections will typically last between six to twelve months, depending on which filler is injected.

Who is the Best Injector for Lip Enhancement?

The best injector for lip fillers is typically a board-certified dermatologist, like Dr. Michele Green in NYC, who is an expert with cosmetic injections, including Botox and dermal fillers. It is best to carefully choose an injector who specializes in cosmetic injections and has a proven track record of success to avoid any adverse reactions. Many plastic surgeons are skilled at cosmetic surgery like tummy tucks or rhinoplasty but have little experience in cosmetic injections. It is always important to choose an injector who “injects all day long.” It is important to select a physician who has years of experience in cosmetic injections and offers all different fillers since “one size doesn’t fit all.”

Which is the best lip filler?

There is no best lip filler, but there is a best lip filler product for a particular patient. The lip filler that is right for you will largely depend on your aesthetic goals. In other words, if you want to have larger, luscious lips, then Restylane Kysse or Juvederm Ultra may be the best dermal filler for you. If you are looking for a more subtle lip augmentation, Restylane may be right for you. Juvederm Volbella and Belotero are great lip filler options for those interested in diminishing the appearance of lip lines and replacing subtle lip volume loss. When you work with Dr. Michele Green, she will help you decide on the best lip filler based on your facial anatomy, skin turgor, lip shape, volume loss, texture of the skin, and desired cosmetic results.

What is the Botox Lip Flip?

For patients who are not yet ready to experience the magic of lip fillers and all that they have to offer but who are still seeking some subtle volume or lift, there is the Botox lip flip procedure. Having a lip flip with Botox is an ideal approach for patients who are looking for just a small lip lift in the top lip, providing the appearance of slight extra volume in the lips. This amazing treatment uses a small amount of Botox injected above the border of the top lip. By relaxing the muscles, your lips are then able to flip outwards, giving the appearance of extra volume in your lips. A Botox lip flip can also reduce the appearance of a very gummy smile. The cosmetic effects of Botox last between 3-6 months. A Botox lip flip can also be combined with lip filler injections to maximize cosmetic results.

Is lip augmentation permanent?

In the past, the only way to have permanent lip enhancements was through facelift plastic surgery with silicone implants. This surgical procedure involved having a silicone implant inserted via incision into the lips. These permanent lip augmentation procedures are rare nowadays as there are so many non-invasive methods. In addition, silicone injections had many unwanted side effects, such as nodules that could not be removed. Dermal fillers, composed of hyaluronic acid, have surpassed any surgery due to their ease and safety profile. Silicone, fat grafting, and permanent implants have been largely replaced by non-surgical cosmetic rejuvenation.

CK 27 yo femalebefore after Juvederm Ultra Plus in lips MGWatermark

Do lip fillers go away?

Lip fillers are not permanent. Lip fillers are only temporary, and patients can generally expect their results to last between six months to a year. There are currently no permanent lip fillers on the market, and treatment should be performed regularly to maintain the best cosmetic results. Dr. Green and other board-certified lip filler injectors utilize hyaluronic acid fillers to safely and effectively provide patients with more voluminous, luscious lips. Silicone implants were once used as a permanent treatment for lip augmentation, though it has since been discontinued due to numerous complications associated with their use. One benefit of the impermanence of lip fillers is that as our tastes change over time, we can adjust treatment to reflect evolving cosmetic needs and goals. A lifetime of luscious lips is perfectly achievable with lip fillers!

Can I wear lipstick after lip injections? Can I eat and drink? Can I exercise?

Yes, you can absolutely wear makeup or lipstick after your lip injections. By all means, show off those new lips and smile! As long as the lipstick is clean and there is no bleeding or oozing in the treated area, you can wear your lipstick. Eating and drinking after having lip filler injections is perfectly alright, but patients should avoid the use of straws for drinking beverages for about 24 hours. It is important to keep the treatment area clean and avoid placing too much pressure on the lips. Additionally, refrain from smoking or drinking alcohol for at least 24 hours following treatment. Patients should not participate in exertional exercise or kissing for at least 48 hours following their lip filler treatment.

What is Lip Reduction Surgery?

Some patients may choose to reduce their naturally large lips or simply do not like the inherent shape of their lips. In these extreme cases, patients may choose to have plastic surgery to alter the shape or reduce the size of their lips. Again, cosmetic surgery for lip augmentation in NYC has largely become a thing of the past.

What is a Gummy Smile?

The presence of an excessive gingival display is what many people refer to as a gummy smile. What this looks like is an above-average amount of gum tissue visible above the top teeth. The appearance of a gummy smile is often easily corrected with just a small amount of Botox, which is injected into the lip. Injecting just a bit of Botox into the lip prevents lifting the lip too high when smiling, effectively masking the appearance of a gummy smile. The effects of Botox injections last approximately four months, with most patients choosing to engage in regular treatment sessions to maintain the best cosmetic results.

How much does lip augmentation cost?

The total cost of your lip filler treatment will ultimately vary depending on a number of factors. The geographic location of the office in which you have treatment is one factor that will impact the cost of lip fillers. For example, the cost of lip augmentation with lip filler will likely be somewhat different in Houston, San Francisco, and New York City. Additionally, the experience level of your injector and the type and number of syringes of lip filler product required to produce your desired results are other factors that can influence the total cost of your lip enhancement. When you consult with Dr. Green, you will have the opportunity to discuss your aesthetic goals thoroughly. You will then be presented with a complete quote for lip augmentation that is based on your private consultation in her Manhattan office.

How much does lip enhancement surgery cost?

Lip enhancement surgery is an expensive treatment option that has a risk of significant adverse events and a lengthy recovery time. The cost of lip enhancement surgery varies depending on the type of surgical procedure. Fat grafting and tissue grafting procedures, which each last for about five years, typically cost between $4,000 and $6,000 per treatment session. Surgical silicone implants are in a similar price range, costing on average $4,000-$6,000 for the procedure. Silicone implants do provide patients with permanent results, though any changes to the implants will require an additional procedure and cost.

How much do lip injections cost?

Many patients ask, how much does lip filler cost? The cost of lip injections depends on a variety of factors, including your treatment goals, geographic location, the type of dermal filler used, and the institution at which you receive treatment. When you have your initial consultation with Dr. Green, you will discuss your aesthetic goals, and Dr. Green will recommend the dermal filler and treatment plan that will best suit your needs. Once your treatment plan has been established, Dr. Green’s office can provide you with a better estimate of the total cost of treatment.

After one syringe of Juvederm

Does lip augmentation hurt?

Lip injections are somewhat painful due to the high sensitivity and many nerve endings that are present in the lips, making the lips a very sensitive area to be injected. Dr. Green suggests applying a topical numbing cream to the lips, ensuring that it covers the entire treatment area one hour before having your lip injections. Once you arrive at Dr. Green’s office for your lip filler treatment, the numbing cream will be removed and the skin sterilized. The hyaluronic acid lip fillers that Dr. Green uses are compounded with lidocaine, which further reduces any potential discomfort during the lip filler injections. Immediately afterward, ice packs are applied to the treatment area to minimize swelling and discomfort. These steps ensure that the process of having lip injections is as comfortable as possible for the patient throughout the entirety of the procedure.

What other procedures can be combined with Lip Fillers?

In general, aging lips also show signs of visible aging around the mouth. Many of these patients are bothered by the appearance of “smoker’s” lines around the mouth. These perioral lines are generally the result of smoking, sun damage, or the lack of/ an improper anti-aging skincare routine. When you consult with Dr. Green, she will review with you the correct use of retinol and serums to rejuvenate this area, many of which are available in her MGSKINLABS Inc. line of products. In addition, laser treatments such as Fraxel and eMatrix, or chemical peels, may be recommended to diminish perioral lines. These cosmetic treatment options are often utilized in combination with dermal filler treatment for optimal rejuvenation results. Both lasers and chemical peels work to rejuvenate the skin around the mouth and reduce these lines to leave a revitalized, more youthful appearance.

Botox is an injectable neurotoxin that is considered the gold-standard treatment for dynamic wrinkles. Dynamic wrinkles form over time in response to repeated facial expressions, often appearing on the forehead, around the eyes, and between the brows at the glabella. Botox injections relax the facial muscles in the treatment area, preventing dynamic wrinkles from becoming etched into the skin. Patients can easily combine their Botox injections and lip filler treatment in the same appointment for pan-facial rejuvenation results. A Botox lip flip is a procedure that entails injecting Botox into the area just outside the lips, causing the “flip” of the lip that curves the upper lip upward and the lower lip downward, providing a more luscious pout without adding additional volume. Patients can combine their lip filler treatment with a Botox lip flip to maximize their results and get a plumper, luscious pout.

How long do lip fillers last?

It is important to understand that having lip augmentation with dermal fillers is a temporary treatment. Lip injections last for up to one year and should be maintained with regular treatment sessions to maintain the desired cosmetic results. One of the greatest benefits of having lip filler is that as our aesthetic tastes and cosmetic goals change over time, we can make amendments to the treatment approach so that they more closely align with our evolving wishes.

How long does lip augmentation last?

The length of time that lip augmentation lasts depends on the type of lip enhancement treatment you receive. Lip fillers are the most popular lip augmentation option because they provide stunning results without a significant risk of adverse events. Typically, dermal fillers last for six months to a year, and the effects of the treatment can be maintained by scheduling a touch-up appointment with Dr. Green once or twice a year. Surgical lip augmentation lasts longer but is a less popular method of lip augmentation due to the increased risk of serious side effects, such as scarring, infection, and bleeding. Fat grafting for lip augmentation typically lasts for five years, and silicone implants are permanent.

Which is the best lip filler?

This is a trick question! There is no correct answer to the question: Which HA filler is the best lip filler? The reason is the best lip filler for you will be dependent on your unique facial anatomy and your aesthetic goals. Patients who have a naturally thin set of lips are typically best suited to a lip filler product that will provide a subtle and natural yet beautiful enhancement. Other patients who have fuller lips to begin with may love the look of the “Kardashian” lip filler and want something that will give them a more glamorous and voluminous effect. Older patients are typically seeking a solution for replacing lost volume or treating fine lines around the mouth. Since each patient is different, there is no “one size fits all” approach to lip filler injections.

There are many dermal filler options, including Restylane, Restylane Kysse, Juvederm, Boletero, and Perlane, meaning it can be difficult to know on your own which is best. The most efficient way to determine which hyaluronic acid dermal filler is best for your lip filler treatment is by setting up an in-person consultation with Dr. Green. Dr. Green will evaluate your facial features and discuss with you in-depth your concerns and cosmetic goals. As a board-certified, expert injector and lip filler specialist, she will guide you through different treatment options and create a tailored approach to your lip fillers that is specific to you. This guarantees that you get the very best cosmetic results possible.

Which lip plumper actually works?

There are many options for dermal fillers that work very well to provide patients with plump, smooth, symmetrical lips. For patients looking for a full pout, Juvederm Ultra Plus and Restylane Kysse are excellent options to enhance the size and shape of the lips. To erase fine lines around the mouth, Dr. Green may turn to Restylane Silk or Belotero Balance. Patients seeking a softer, more natural appearance for the lips may be best suited for Juvederm Volbella. During your initial consultation with Dr. Green, you will discuss your treatment goals, and she will determine the best lip filler for you.

Do lip fillers go away?

Lip fillers are not permanent. Lip fillers are only temporary, and patients can generally expect their results to last between six months to a year. There currently are not any permanent lip fillers on the market, and treatment should be performed on a regular basis to maintain the best cosmetic results. Dr. Green and other board-certified lip filler injectors utilize hyaluronic acid fillers to safely and effectively provide patients with more voluminous, luscious lips. Silicone implants were once used as a permanent treatment for lip augmentation, though it has since been discontinued due to numerous complications associated with their use. One benefit of the impermanence of lip fillers is that as our tastes change over time, we can adjust treatment to reflect evolving cosmetic needs and goals. A lifetime of luscious lips is perfectly achievable with lip fillers!

Can you dissolve lip fillers?

Most lip fillers, such as Juvederm, Restylane, and Sculptra, are composed of a synthetic hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance within the body that provides it with essential moisture and youthful suppleness. Hyaluronic acid is dissolvable with Hylenex or Vitrase injections. Hylenex is the brand name for an injectable enzyme called hyaluronidase, which is able to effectively dissolve hyaluronic dermal fillers, including those used for the lips, and reverse the effects of unwanted treatment. Hyaluronidase can be used in cases where lip filler is over-injected, inappropriately placed, or if a patient is unsatisfied with the results. In order to prevent the need for dissolving your lip filler, it is important to be selective when choosing your injector. When you have injections with an expert injector, like Dr. Green in New York City, you ensure that your procedure is carefully planned and can prevent the need to dissolve your lip fillers.

Are lip fillers safe?

Yes! Lip fillers are entirely safe, and the dermal filler products used to perform lip augmentation have been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration. One caveat, however, is that you should seek lip augmentation treatment from an experienced and board-certified cosmetic dermatologist, such as Dr. Green. Having treatment in a medical setting, rather than in a med spa or clinic, will help to ensure that your procedure is safe and effective. It may be more inexpensive to have your lip injections done by someone more inexperienced. However, you cannot guarantee that in these settings, patient safety and satisfaction are top concerns. Using an inappropriate dermal filler in the treatment area or accidental injection of lip filler into a blood vessel can occur with inexperienced injectors and cause more serious side effects to follow. More often than not, if the price looks “too good to be true,” then it is probably not the “real thing.” In addition, it is rare to suffer from an allergic reaction to lip filler products. However, one contraindication for having lip augmentation with lip filler is a hypersensitivity or history of an allergy to a soft tissue filler product.

Is lip augmentation safe?

Lip augmentation with dermal fillers is a safe and effective procedure when performed by an experienced board-certified dermatologist. There are minimal side effects associated with dermal fillers, including swelling, bruising, redness, and irritation at the injection site – all side effects that should resolve independently within one week of receiving treatment. Surgical lip augmentation is safest when performed by an experienced board certified dermaatologist or plastic surgeon. However, it is still associated with many more adverse events than dermal fillers, including permanent scarring, bleeding, infection, and pain. To avoid the risk of serious side effects, Dr. Green recommends dermal fillers for lip augmentation.

RS 24 yo female before after Juvederm lips MGWatermark

Is lip augmentation painful?

Lip augmentation with dermal fillers is a relatively painless procedure. An hour before the appointment, Dr. Green will have the patient apply a topical numbing cream that she will clean off upon arrival. The dermal fillers used in Dr. Green’s office are formulated with lidocaine, which is a numbing agent within the filler that increases patient comfort during the procedure. After the injections, Dr. Green will immediately ice the treatment area to minimize the risk of swelling and bruising.

How to avoid lip filler complications?

Due to the increased popularity of lip augmentation, the number of injectors who offer this treatment has significantly increased over the last few years. To avoid complications or looking “overdone” or “duck-like,” it is best to consult an expert in cosmetic injections. Overfilling and lumpiness of the lips are, unfortunately, common occurrences for patients who are treated by inexperienced injectors. For your peace of mind and to guarantee that you achieve flawless, natural-looking cosmetic results, it is imperative to consult with an experienced, board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Michele Green. Dr. Green has spent over two and a half decades providing her patients from around the world with the best cosmetic treatments available in NYC, including lip enhancement procedures.

What can I expect after lip fillers?

It can be hard to know just what to expect after having lip fillers for the first time. The most common side effects that are experienced after undergoing lip augmentation with lip filler include mild swelling and potentially some bruising at or near the sites of injection. Should you notice mild redness, itchiness, discomfort, or soreness after having lip fillers, these side effects are common and resolve on their own shortly after treatment; however, if these side effects are persistent, alert Dr. Green. Some swelling can persist for up to several weeks. You can expect to observe the final results of your lip filler treatment approximately one to two weeks after your lip injections are performed.

How do you reduce swelling after lip fillers? How long do lip fillers take to settle?

The best way to ensure or reduce swelling after lip fillers is to ice immediately after the HA filler has been injected. It is always best to refrain from aerobic exercise or intense heat for 48 hours after dermal filler injections. In addition, sleeping with your head elevated and on your back can also decrease the degree of swelling. Finally, avoiding Aspirin, Aleve, Motrin, vitamins, wine, or any blood thinners for one week before your injections of dermal fillers will help prevent bruising and any unnecessary swelling. Lip fillers take up to two weeks to settle, after which the final effects will be visible.

What shouldn’t I do after lip fillers?

After having lip filler injections done, it can be tempting to resume activity as usual. For the most part, patients can engage in their normal daily activities following their lip filler treatments. There are, however, several aftercare recommendations that are important to adhere to in order to maintain the best results. Dr. Green advises her patients who have lip augmentation with hyaluronic acid fillers to refrain from aerobic exercise for at least 48 hours following their lip filler treatment. Eating after a lip filler procedure is fine, but avoid using straws for drinking beverages for 24 hours. It is important to keep the treatment area clean and avoid placing too much pressure on the lips.

Additionally, refrain from smoking or drinking alcohol for at least 24 hours following treatment. Although it is rare to have any discomfort after a lip filler injection, Dr. Green recommends applying an ice pack to the treated area and taking Tylenol rather than an NSAID. If you are prone to bruising, an herbal supplement called Arnika Forte can be used, either orally or topically, to help decrease bruising.

Other lip filler FAQs:

Should I get lip fillers?

Lip fillers are a safe and effective non-invasive cosmetic treatment option for those who are interested in adding semi-permanent volume and definition to their lips. Lip augmentation can be a great way to boost confidence, and the personal decision to have lip fillers can be invigorating! Candidates for lip augmentation with lip fillers should have realistic expectations regarding their treatment and be in overall good mental and physical health. Suppose you are considering lip filler treatment for facial rejuvenation. In that case, the best first step is to consult with Dr. Michele Green at her private dermatology office located in the Upper East Side neighborhood of Manhattan. Dr. Green is an expert injector with over two and a half decades of experience providing her patients from around the world with the best non-invasive cosmetic treatments available, including lip filler treatment.

What is used for lip augmentation?

Most lip fillers used for lip augmentation are formulated with the active ingredient hyaluronic acid, which hydrates and plumps the skin. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the body that attracts moisture. When injected into the lips, the hyaluronic acid-based filler binds water molecules to boost the volume and smooth out the skin.

What is the difference between lip filler and lip injections?

Lip filler and lip injections are two different names for the same thing: dermal fillers for lip enhancement. There are many reasons why one might be looking for lip enhancement. For some, lip fillers are an excellent opportunity to achieve plump, full lips for the perfect pout, correct asymmetry, and provide an ideal shape to the cupid’s bow. For others, lip injections can combat age-related volume loss or fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth. Whatever your aesthetic goals, Dr. Green has the lip filler that will best meet your needs.

Are lip implants better than fillers?

A Lip implant is a surgical procedure that involves an incision and the placement of silicone implants under the skin of the lips. The process is usually performed under local anesthesia, and the incision is made going from the corner of the mouth inward, creating a tunnel into which the silicone is placed. Dissolvable stitches are then set to close the incision. While lip implants are a permanent solution, which may be appealing to some, there is a risk of also developing a permanent scar where the incision was made at the corners of the mouth. There is significant recovery time following the procedure. Once the silicone implants are placed, it requires an additional surgical procedure to adjust or remove them, which further increases the risk of adverse events. With dermal fillers, patients are able to achieve a perfect pout without the need for downtime or the risk of significant adverse events, leading most patients to prefer dermal fillers for lip augmentation.

How can I make lip fillers last longer?

Unfortunately, most types of dermal fillers that are used for performing lip augmentation are temporary. The best way to maintain the cosmetic effects of your lip fillers is by engaging in regular touch-up sessions with your experienced injector. The frequency of one’s touch-up sessions will be dependent on the metabolism of the patient and the type of hyaluronic acid filler used for your lip filler treatment. Patients with a fast metabolism will need to have touch-up sessions more frequently than those with a slow metabolism. Dr. Green can help you create a treatment plan that is unique to your needs, and she will advise you on best maintenance practices for your lip fillers so that you can keep your lips looking luscious for longer.

Can I get lip fillers while pregnant?

Patients should not have lip filler treatment while pregnant or breastfeeding. Although hyaluronic acid fillers do not migrate from the treatment area that they were injected into when the proper technique is used, there have not been studies performed to evaluate the potential effects of cosmetic injectables on a developing baby or while nursing. Patients can safely resume their cosmetic treatments, including lip augmentation with dermal fillers, once they are no longer pregnant or breastfeeding.

How to prepare for getting lip fillers

In preparation for your lip filler treatment, it is recommended to avoid blood thinning medications and supplements, such as aspirin, fish oil, Ibuprofen, Aleve, Vitamin E, multivitamins, and Motrin, for two weeks before your appointment. It is also suggested to refrain from consuming any alcohol for several days in advance of your lip filler injections. These steps will help best prevent any potential bruising or swelling. Arrive at your lip filler treatment with a clean face that is free of makeup. Apply your prescription topical numbing cream one hour before your scheduled appointment in order to minimize any potential discomfort during your lip filler injections. Lastly, choose your injector carefully! Patients must do their research and select an injector with the experience and expertise required to safely perform their treatment and provide them with the best results.

What are lip fillers made of?

Lip fillers are typically hyaluronic acid-based. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring component of the skin, providing it with essential moisture and youthful suppleness. When hyaluronic acid is injected, it binds with water molecules, increasing the volume of the treatment area. Different hyaluronic acid dermal fillers have different concentrations of hyaluronic acid, and an expert injector will have the experience and knowledge to recommend the dermal filler product that will give you ideal results. Dr. Green in New York City has over two and a half decades of experience providing her patients from around the world with the best non-invasive cosmetic treatment options available, including lip augmentation with lip fillers. Dr. Green will work with you to determine which hyaluronic acid dermal filler is best suited to your needs and aesthetic goals.

Where to get lip fillers

It is best to have lip filler injections in a medical setting by an experienced healthcare professional, such as a board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist. This will help reduce the potential for any unwanted side effects and achieve the best cosmetic results. It may be more inexpensive to have your lip filler injections with a nurse injector in a medical spa setting. However, it is worth having treatment with an expert injector to avoid complications or disappointing results. Dr. Green is an internationally renowned board-certified cosmetic dermatologist in New York City, recognized and appreciated for her artful approach to cosmetic injections, including lip fillers. Embracing a ‘less is more’ philosophy when it comes to cosmetic treatment for rejuvenation, Dr. Green has helped thousands of patients achieve their aesthetic goals so that they look and feel like the best version of themselves and have the greatest confidence in their long-lasting, natural-looking lips.

Are lip fillers worth it?

Lip filler treatment is a non-invasive cosmetic solution for patients interested in achieving fuller, plumper, more defined lips. The ease of having lip filler injections, the lack of downtime, consistently stunning results, and the immediacy of the effects of treatment make lip fillers worth it. Patients must have realistic expectations regarding the outcome of their treatment and be in good overall physical and mental health. Not only can lip filler treatment add or replenish volume to the lips, but it can also be used to smooth away wrinkles around the mouth, enhance the definition of the lips, and correct the overall shape of the lips. Additionally, having multiple sessions of lip filler treatment over time has been proven to stimulate the production of new collagen in the treatment area. Collagen is a protein in the skin that provides it with structural support and a firm, youthful appearance. Over time, treatments can contribute to incredibly long-lasting, natural-looking, plumper lips.

How long do hyaluronic acid lip fillers last?

Hyaluronic acid lip fillers typically last 6-12 months, depending on the type of filler product used for your lip augmentation treatment. Juvederm Volbella is one hyaluronic acid lip filler product that has been shown to have incredibly long-lasting results, with effects remaining up to 18 months. This kind of longevity is exceptional for a lip filler product, given that the lips are constantly used throughout the day to talk, eat, and smile. Movements such as these can contribute to the breakdown of hyaluronic acid at a faster rate. When you consult with Dr. Green at her private dermatology office in the Upper East Side neighborhood of Manhattan for your lip filler treatment, she will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan and timeline that is best suited to addressing your concerns and achieving your ideal aesthetic goals.

How long do Juvederm lip fillers last?

Juvederm Ultra and Juvederm Volbella are the two most popular Juvederm lip filler products used and typically produce cosmetic effects that last for 6-12 months in duration. Patients can keep up the best results by engaging in regular maintenance treatment sessions as needed. Most patients choose to have their lip filler treatment touched up every six months or so to maintain their ideal results. However, the timeline for maintenance treatment sessions is completely customizable depending on the needs and aesthetic goals of an individual. When you work with Dr. Green, she will help you develop a timeline for your lip filler treatments that will keep you looking and feeling like the very best version of yourself.

RL 31 yo female before and after Restylane for lips and Botox lip flip LIPS ONLY MGWatermark

How to get started with the best lip fillers in NYC

The lips are a defining facial feature that significantly contributes to one’s overall aesthetic appearance. The position of the lips in the center of the face, their crucial role in facial expression, and their close association with youthfulness and sensuality make them arguably one of the most important facial features that we have! If you’re in need of subtle facial rejuvenation or looking for a non-invasive cosmetic treatment for getting a plumper, more luscious pout, then lip augmentation with Dr. Green in NYC may be just the solution for you.

Dr. Michele Green is a board-certified and world-renowned expert in the field of cosmetic dermatology. She has spent over 25 years providing her patients from around the globe with the best cosmetic injections that New York City has to offer. For her dedication to her patients and expertise, Dr. Green is consistently voted as one of the best physicians in New York by Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, and the New York Times. Not only does she specialize in lip augmentation but also in improving the appearance of facial wrinkles and folds, restoring lost volume, and providing enhanced facial contour. When you work with Dr. Green, you can feel confident that you’ve selected an injector with the expertise and experience necessary to provide you with phenomenal results and an incredibly beautiful, natural-looking lip augmentation. Please contact us online or call the NYC-based office at 212-535-3088 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Green and get started with your customized cosmetic treatment for more luscious lips today.

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