Dr. Green, NYC Based Anti-Aging Expert On Lip Fillers

Photo Credit: Photo courtesy of Dr. GreenDr. Michele S. Green is a board-certified dermatologist. Upper East Side patients and those from the surrounding areas of New York City flock to her practice for a variety of cosmetic dermatology treatments. A graduate from Yale University, with an MD from Mount Sinai Medical School in NYC, Dr. Green treats some of the most discerning, demanding women and men in the world, with issues ranging from premature skin aging to hyperpigmentation, rosacea, acne, and skin cancer. Haute Beauty chats with Dr. Michele Green to learn everything you need to know about hyaluronic acid lip fillers.

HB: What are Lip Fillers?

Hyaluronic acid fillers are the most common choice for nonsurgical lip augmentation. The most popular dermal fillers used for lip injections are Juvederm and Restylane. The choice between Juvederm and Restylane is dependent upon the symmetry of your lips and the look you would like to achieve. Juvederm is typically the most popular filler used for lip augmentations. Juvederm is often preferred for volume and longevity. Before getting lip injections, you should think about the “look” you would like to achieve, in other words, how full do you want your lips. It is all ways best to start slow and build up. If you have never had lip injections before, going from your natural lips to big lips in one swoop, can be unnerving so a gradual build-up is best.

HB: How does the procedure work?

As mentioned previously if you have never had lip fillers before you should think about the look you would like to achieve. Also, it is important to remember that it is best to start slowly and build up over time. To achieve natural-looking lips may require slowly injecting over time.

Juvederm Ultra Plus is my preferred Hyaluronic Acid Filler for lips. It is able to plump the lips, correct asymmetry, and diminish the lines around the mouth. I often combine Juvederm Ultra Plus with Juvederm Volbella to treat the fine line about the vermillion border and cupid's bow. I usually inject the top and lower lip to balance them for a more natural look.

The patient comes to my NYC private office and has a consultation to discuss what his or her goals are, and what shape and volume they would like. Photos are taken for their records, and the lips are numbed with a topical numbing cream for 30 minutes. Afterward, the lips are cleaned with alcohol and injected with a hyaluronic filler. We apply ice packs for 10 minutes after the procedure to minimize swelling. There is little or no downtime. 

HB: How much filler do you need?

The number of syringes needed to enhance the lips is usually dependent upon how full you actually want your lips. For most patients, one to two syringes is average.

HB: Are Lip Augmentations popular in your office?

Lip augmentation is extremely popular in my NYC office and my patients are looking for the best injections which look natural and restore volume and rejuvenate their lips?

HB: What are your patients' biggest fear about lip injections?

They are afraid to have that “duck lip” look and look “fake” and “plastic”.

HB: What are the most popular cosmetic fillers used for lip injections?

When patients want a subtle but enhanced look, I use mostly Restylane for their lips, especially in patients who are older. In younger patients, who want more volume, I use Juvederm Ultra Plus. Juvederm lasts a bit longer and also gives more lift to your lips.

HB: Can patients “fix” lips that are uneven with filler?

I often get requests from patients who are unhappy with their lips to adjust them and make sure that they are even. That is one of the benefits of lip fillers; you can customize the injection for the individual patient.

HB: Who is a good candidate for lip fillers?

Anyone who wants more definition, volume, and shape to their lips is a good candidate.

HB: Can other procedures be combined with lip fillers?

Yes, many patients will have Botox injected to their forehead or around their eyes (crow’s feet), or for their upper lip to have a Botox lip flip. Many patients also will have hyaluronic fillers for their cheeks or nasolabial folds at the same time. As long as they are going to numb one area and wait, they often have another area treated at the same time. My patients want natural-looking, beautiful results, which make them look refreshed and younger-looking. 

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