Lip Fillers- Michele Westendorf, MSN,NP-C

Whether you want luscious kissable lips, or to just to get rid of the fine lines around your lips, there is a product designed for your goals. Every pair of lips are different and different people have different ideals in mind. Some patients request just a little volume to make their smile less “gummy” or get rid of the fine lines.
In addition to the aesthetic benefits, lip filler offers some cellular benefits as well. We always recommend using Hyaluronic acid fillers (HA filler) – Hyaluronic acid is made within our bodies so patients are less likely to have a reaction to HA fillers. Not only will HA filler give you an immediate results it also stimulates your body’s on collagen growth. Another advantage of HA filler is that it can be easy dissolved in the office with enzyme if you change your mind.
The HA fillers we use most commonly in the office for lips are:
Juvederm Ultra XC
Juvederm Ultra Plus
Juvderm Volbella
Belotero Balance
Juvederm Ultra XC and Ultra Plus are used for volume and lip plumping. They can also be used to help give definition and volume to thinning lips. Both Juvederms are available in .4cc and 1cc sized syringes which allows use to tailor the administration to meet your treatment goals. Juvederm last 6 -12 months in the lips.


Volbella and Belotero are both softer products designed to help with the aging process in lips. As we progress in life we form fine lines around the lips, lose definition in the lips structures which cause them the thin and “fall” and produce less Hyaluronic acid making our lips look more dry and less lustrous. These “softer” products help recreate definition and hydration without adding much volume. If you want to stop your lipstick from running or your lips to look more hydrated these are better options. Belotero comes in a 1cc syringe and Volbella comes in a .55cc syringe. Belotero typically last 6+ months and Volbella lasts up to a year.



At the beginning of the appointment we will take some photos and discuss treatment goals which will help us pick the best filler to give you a natural looking result. We do offer topical numbing cream which is typically applied for 10-15 minutes. There are many different ways to administer lip filler based on the desired cosmetic outcome. A needle or a cannula (which is a very small hollow tube) are utilized. The lips are a very vascular area, so sometimes bruising can occur. Any bruising usually resolves within in a few days and often does not happen at all. There is some swelling immediately following the procedure from the product being administered, but it generally decreases within 24 hours, and using ice will help offset this. Overall the appointment takes approximately 45 minutes and can be easily paired with Botox.
Bruising can occur after the procedure. To decrease the risk, avoid taking blood thinning medications such as aspirin, Motrin, ibuprofen, Aleve or any other NSAIDs for 7 days prior to the procedure, and do not drink any alcohol the night before the procedure. After the procedure, refrain from heavy aerobic activity for 24 hours. Whether you want a luscious pout or just some definition to your lips, there is an HA filler to help you meet your aesthetic goals.