Haute Beauty caught up with Dr. Michele Green who dishes on everything you need to know about lip fillers, including the difference between the different dermal fillers on the market, risks patients should be aware of, how long the procedure lasts and the celebrity lips most patients want to emulate. (Here’s a clue: the celebrity is one of the Kar-Jenner sisters).

How should patients prep before a treatment?

If you are scheduled for lip fillers or considering getting them done you should avoid any supplements or medications which can cause bruising a week prior to getting the injections. Supplements such as fish oil, vitamin E and medications such as aspirin or blood thinners should be discontinued one week prior to getting lip injections.

What are the main differences between the various lip filler options?

There are several dermal fillers on the market such as Juvederm and Restylane.

Juvederm fillers are made from hyaluronic acid. Juvederm is a very highly cross-linked form of hyaluronic acid, making it less likely to be broken down quicker than other hyaluronic fillers. Juvederm typically lasts for 9-12 months for volume enhancement in the lips.

Juvederm Volbella also a hyaluronic acid based dermal filler is a great product for lip enhancement. It provides a smooth and natural improvement in the fullness of the lips.  It has been specifically developed as a smooth gel to give a soft, natural feel. Juvederm Volbella adds subtle volume to the lips and is used primarily to soften the appearance of the lines in and around the lips.  It has a lower hydrophilic concentration, which means it absorbs less water from surrounding tissue which results in less swelling.   It also is the only dermal filler on the market that corrects perioral lines, which are the lines that develop from smoking and sun damage.

 Restylane is a clear gel formulation of hyaluronic acid that is specifically formulated to act like your body’s own naturally produced hyaluronic acid. Restylane can add fullness and shape to lips providing natural-looking results, even with just one treatment. Restylane can last approximately lasts 3 to 4 months for the lips.

How long does the procedure usually last?

I recommend applying a topical anesthetic 30 to 45 minutes to prevent any discomfort while having the procedure performed. You can also apply ice 15 minutes before. The injections take 15 to 30 minutes.

Which celebrity lips are requested the most?

I get requests for all types of lips and patients bring pictures [to show the lips they want] as well but the most popular is Kylie Jenner.

What risk should patients be aware of?

These products are safe to use however you can develop bruising and swelling in the treatment area. In rare cases, an allergic reaction can develop several days after the injections.

How long do results last?

It depends on the product used results can last between 9 months to 1 year. I usually recommend touch-ups every 9-12 months depending on how long it lasts.