Lip Augmentation

Lip Augmentation in Washington DC & Aspen, CO

Dermal Fillers for Lip Augmentation

Dr. West utilizes Restylane®, Restylane Refyne®, Restylane Kysse®, and Juvéderm Ultra XC® dermal fillers that provide a soft, natural lip augmentation in the Washington DC area as well as Aspen, CO.

Restylane, Restylane Refyne, Restylane Kysse and Juvéderm Ultra XC are hyaluronic acid dermal fillers that are injected directly into-and-around the lips using an ultrafine needle, adding volume and creating definition of the lip line which results in a youthful, plump appearance.

If you have naturally thin lips or have noticed loss of volume in your lips over time and would like a fuller look, Restylane, Restylane Refyne, Restylane Kysse, and Juvéderm Ultra XC may all be great solutions for you. Dr.  Tina West will determine which filler is most suitable for you upon your initial consultation.

Following lip augmentation, there is swelling for up to 48 hours. Final results are immediate soft, smooth pouty lips that last 9 – 12 months.

Lip Rejuvenation with Restylane Silk

Dr. West’s lip rejuvenation technique addresses concerns of many women over 40 who begin to notice “bleeding” of lipstick due to loss of definition between the lip and skin, a “barcode” effect of wrinkles above the lip, and/or a “corrugated” lip texture. Many women are concerned about their lips appearing “done,” and Dr. West reassures her patients that this particular technique, using a specific dermal filler pioneered specifically for rejuvenation (as opposed to augmentation), results in a completely natural but restored appearance.

Restylane Silk® is the first hyaluronic acid filler formulated with lidocaine that is FDA-approved specifically to rejuvenate the lips and lines around the mouth in patients 21 years of age and older.

How Does Restylane Silk Work?

Restylane Silk is a clear, injectable hyaluronic acid filler made from long chains of sugars that occur naturally in the skin. It is uniquely formulated to create a softer consistency that fills in lines with a very natural look. Restylane Silk restores volume and moisture to the problematic areas around your mouth. Dr. West was selected by the product’s manufacturing company as a National Trainer for the advanced injection technique used with Restylane Silk to restore and redefine aging lips, without plumping. Your lips will appear younger, fresher and more defined, but nobody will know that you had anything done.

Is Restylane Silk Right For Me?

If you are noticing loss of lip border definition, fine lines above the lip, or “bleeding” of lipstick, Restylane Silk may be a good option for you. Dr. West will meet with you to see if Restylane Silk is the right treatment to help achieve your desired results.

How Long Will The Results Last?

Most patients can expect the effects of Restylane Silk to last up to one year, although individual results may vary. Dr. West will discuss all you concerns during your appointment in our Aspen, CO and Chevy Chase, MD offices. 

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Dr. Tina West is a board-certified dermatologist and leading expert in cosmetic dermatology, laser surgery, and body contouring procedures. For over 20 years, Dr. West has dedicated her practice to providing natural-looking results and full patient satisfaction. Dr. West invites you to visit The West Institute for a friendly and informative consultation.

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Lip Augmentation FAQs

At the West Institute, we differentiate between lip augmentation and lip rejuvenation. For lip augmentation, typically in those who are under 35-40 years old. Most patients over 40 prefer lip rejuvenation, a technique that redefines the lip border and smooths the fine lines above the lip. For lip augmentation, the newest filler for a plump, “juicy” look is Restylane Kysse. Restylane Refyne can also be used for a more subtle lip augmentation with very natural movement and minimal immediate swelling. For lip rejuvenation, the state of the art filler is Restylane Silk. Dr. West was a trainer for this novel Galderma lip product when it was launched, training other physicians in the preferred injection technique. Lip rejuvenation with Restylane Silk requires approximately 2 days of recovery due to swelling, but the results are extremely natural and last about one year.

Lip augmentation with hyaluronic acid based fillers results in a natural appearance when performed by an advanced, experienced injector and should last 9-12 months.

At the West Institute, as in most board-certified dermatologists’ advanced injector practices in the U.S., the most common fillers used for lip augmentation are comprised of hyaluronic acid, a natura sugar normally found in skin. Hyaluronic acid lip fillers last 9-12 months. 

Hyaluronic acid based lip fillers last approximately 9-12 months regardless of the specific filler used.

A natural look is dependent upon injection technique. To ensure a natural outcome, see a board-certified dermatologist specializing in advanced injection techniques. Members of The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery receive specific advanced training in minimally invasive dermatologic procedures. ASDS.net, the society’s website, has a physician locator feature by zip code.

Scheduling a consultation with a board-certified dermatologist, preferably a member of the ASDS (ASDS.net) is the best option for ensuring an experienced injector with advanced training. Ask to review before and after photos that represent actual patients who have been treated by the physician you are considering to perform your lip augmentation or rejuvenation procedure.

Because hyaluronic acid is a normal constituent of the human dermis (the skin layer just below the surface), allergic reactions are extremely rare.  In the case of any adverse result, every qualified physician typically stocks hyaluronidase, an enzyme that dissolves hyaluronic acid fillers almost immediately.

Board certified dermatologists developed modern lip injection techniques. Those who are members of the American Society for Dermatolic Surgery (ASDS.net) specifically receive the most advanced training available. Non “core” physician and other injectors do not have access to many of the trainings and meetings during which the most recent advances are taught and demonstrated.

The most common side effects of any dermal filler injection, including lip augmentation or rejuvenation, are temporary bruising and swelling.  If an injector does not have advanced anatomy training and experience, there is a risk of filler entering an artery, which can result in tissue necrosis (dead tissue that may cause a permanent scar).

At the West Institute, we have our patients ice the treated area immediately following treatment for 10 minutes before leaving the office. We have found that this immediate icing helps minimize swelling and bruising. Any ice applied intermittently thereafter, within the first 24 hours after treatment, may also result in a decreased incidence of bruising and swelling.

Following the lip injection treatment and after icing for approximately 10 minutes, there are no restrictions on activity, including eating.