Introduction to Lip Fillers
Enhance your lips with natural-looking volume and definition. Lip fillers use advanced hyaluronic acid formulas to smooth lines, restore balance, and create beautifully contoured lips with little to no downtime.
What is Lip Augmentation With Fillers?
Lip Augmentation is a procedure intended to enhance the volume, shape, and/or definition of the lips. It can be performed via non-surgical techniques such as filler injection or surgery where a more permanent result is achieved. A patient may be a candidate for lip augmentation if they naturally demonstrate thin lips or suffer volume loss in the lips with aging. Filler injection is a common treatment option for patients seeking lip enhancement. Hyaluronic acid is the most common type of material found in fillers. Depending on the type of product used and the area of the face treated, the treatment effect of fillers ranges from 6 to 18 months. Common filler products used by Dr. Ho for lip augmentation include Juvederm® Ultra XC, Juvederm® Volbella XC, Restylane-L®, Restylane® Refyne, and Belotero®. Lip filler injection may be performed alone or in conjunction with other injectable procedures. This procedure requires the expertise of a surgeon who specializes in plastic surgery of the face and understands facial anatomy well. Dr. Ho is highly experienced in filler injections and performs each procedure in an artistic manner according to the anatomic features and aesthetic goals of the individual patient.
Types of Dermal Fillers for Lip Enhancement in Philadelphia
Multiple products with different properties can be used in lip filler injections. As a top-rated lip filler specialist in Philadelphia, Dr. Tina Ho uses the following products to add volume to the lips.
Juvederm® Ultra XC is a lightweight hyaluronic acid formula used to improve the volume and fullness of the lips. This formulation will typically last for 6 to 12 months.
Juvederm® Volbella XC is a crystal-clear hyaluronic acid gel for lip enhancement injection with the ability to provide results up to one year after the injection.
Restylane-L® is a crystal clear injectable gel composed of hyaluronic acid that generally lasts about six months.
Restylane® Refyne is a softer and more flexible dermal filler used for lip enhancement will results lasting up to 18 months.
Belotero® is one of the lightest dermal fillers available and can produce results lasting up to one year
Restylane Kysse: Restylane Kysse is a soft, flexible lip filler designed to enhance volume and definition while maintaining natural movement and expression.
RHA 3: RHA 3 is a resilient hyaluronic acid filler that adds smooth, natural-looking lip fullness and support for refined, long-lasting results.
Educational Video
Lip Fillers
Lip Filler Injection By Dr. Tina Ho
In my own injectable practice, I have learned with experience that the cannula technique is great for producing overall lip volume enhancement, whereas the needle technique offers more precision for enhancing lip definition or focal areas of the lips. I still tend to rely on the cannula method for lip rejuvenation first and will implement the needle method for more technical treatments. My lovely patient Mia never received lip filler before and was interested in increasing lip volume. I first injected 1 syringe of filler via cannula technique to the lips that resulted in beautiful, plumper lips. Mia desired pushing her lip enhancement a bit more, so I performed a second injection with half a syringe of additional filler to augment lip definition and lower lip volume. This video showcases Mia’s lip rejuvenation journey each step of the way including the final results shown during her patient testimonial!
– Dr. Tina HoLip Lift: Before and after
This wonderful younger patient was bothered by the thin appearance of her upper lip particularly with smiling. She was tired of repeating the same treatments over and over and desired more permanent options for lip rejuvenation. Two stepwise procedures and six months later, she is beautifully healed and we are so happy with her new smile.
Why Choose Dr. Tina Ho?
Dr. Tina Ho stands out among other surgeons in Philadelphia and Wayne as a female, double board-certified facial plastic surgeon with dedicated training in facial rejuvenation surgery. Unlike general plastic surgeons, Dr. Ho specializes exclusively in aesthetic and reconstructive procedures of the face and neck.
She understands that a facial rejuvenation, whether surgical or non-surgical, is both an art and a science — a highly detailed and complex procedure that requires technical precision and an artistic eye to achieve natural, harmonious results. Dr. Ho stays at the forefront of modern products and techniques to deliver the most refined and lasting outcomes for her patients.
From the initial consultation to every follow-up visit, Dr. Ho maintains an unwavering commitment to each patient. She takes the time to listen, plan, and tailor every step of the rejuvenation process to align with the patient’s unique anatomy for realistic aesthetic goals and ensure each person feels confident, supported, and deeply satisfied with their results. Her approach focuses on preserving the patient’s natural appearance while maximizing safety and minimizing recovery time.
Dr. Ho received advanced fellowship training under world-renowned facial plastic surgeons Dr. Dean Toriumi and Dr. Steven Dayan. Dr. Ho continually refines her surgical knowledge and techniques to offer the best outcomes for her patients by regularly attending national and international aesthetic meetings and learning from leading plastic surgeons across the country in the operating room setting. Her expertise extends across all aspects of surgical and non-surgical facial rejuvenation.
Dr. Ho is recognized regionally and beyond as one of Philadelphia and the Maine Line’s most trusted female facial plastic surgeons, with patients traveling from throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York to seek her expertise.
What is Dr. Ho’s Approach to Lip Filler Injection?
As a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Ho specializes exclusively in aesthetic treatments of the head and neck region including lip procedures. She possesses dedicated training and extensive experience in injectable procedures from one of the top facial plastic surgery fellowship programs in the country. Dr. Ho dedicates extensive time and effort to establish realistic goals and expectations with every patient. Her treatment philosophy is centered on producing lip results that are natural and conservative and are aesthetically balanced with the rest of the face. She relies on pre and post-treatment photographs throughout the process to allow for objective comparison with every patient. Dr. Ho pursues a cannula technique for filler injections as this technique minimizes the risks of bruising and swelling as well as vascular compromise. Dr. Ho understands the pain tolerance of every patient is different and incorporates special numbing techniques into her lip injectable procedures to ensure each patient is as comfortable as possible. She also maintains an excellent hygienic protocol to minimize risk of infection.
How to Prepare for Lip Fillers in Philadelphia
To reduce swelling and bruising here are some helpful tips when preparing for a lip injection in Philadelphia.
Avoid over-the-counter medications that may thin the blood, such as Advil, ibuprofen, Aleve, and naproxen, within 5 days of the injection.
Stop supplements that thin the blood, such as St. John’s Wort, Gingko biloba, primrose oil, garlic, ginseng, and Vitamin E, five days before the procedure.
Avoid alcoholic beverages within 24 hours of the injection.
Arrive for the injection appointment with a washed face and no makeup.
Steps Involved During Lip Injections in Philadelphia
Dr. Ho is regarded as one of the best lip filler doctors in Philadelphia and uses a strict protocol to ensure patient safety during the injections process. The steps of the procedure include:
1. Evaluating the lips and identifying the sites for injection.
2. Special numbing techniques are used to anesthetize the skin.
3. Injection areas are cleaned with antibiotic agent to reduce chances of infection.
4. Dermal filler is injected and massaged and the results are evaluated, more dermal filler is injected as needed.
5. The area is cleaned and the final results are evaluated by you and Dr. Ho, once satisfied you are able to return home (typical procedure time is less than an hour).
What should patients expect after Lip Filler injections?
Each lip filler injection procedure is different and catered to the individual patient in terms of how much filler product is needed and where the filler is injected. Therefore, the extent of swelling and bruising that occur after filler injection will vary by patient. There may be swelling or bruising at the injection sites or in the lips that is managed well with icing for the first two days after the procedure and head elevation the evening following the procedure. The extent of swelling may range from minimal to significant for the first few days following the procedure. Bruised injection sites can be covered with concealer makeup starting 24 hours after the procedure. Post-treatment pain is usually not significant and may be managed with Tylenol as needed. The results of filler injection in the treated areas are typically observed immediately or after most of the immediate swelling has subsided. It is not uncommon for slight asymmetries to be observed initially after an injectable procedure that typically resolve by two weeks out when the treatment product has settled out and is in maximal effect. Dr. Ho seeks follow-up with her patients two weeks after each injectable procedure to ensure that every patient is satisfied with their treatment outcome.
Enhance Your Recovery with Elixir MD
The Elixir MD™ is an innovative recovery tool that offers various treatment programs using different LED light wavelengths to achieve specific pre and post-surgical goals. These programs are supported by advanced artificial intelligence temperature controls and adjustable settings to address a range of concerns and goals. This non-invasive therapy is safe, painless, and can reduce infections after surgery while also enhancing recovery and minimizing scarring after rhinoplasty surgery.
Benefits of Elixir MD
Enhanced post-operative recovery after rhinoplasty. Using LED light, Elixir MD™ stimulates the skin to accelerate wound healing and minimize scarring post-surgery.
Improved healing and cellular repair. Specific wavelengths stimulate collagen and elastin production, which are essential for healing after surgery.
Easier rhinoplasty recovery. Reduces inflammation responsible for swelling and pain after surgery.
Improved lymphatic drainage and blood flow. Enhances the delivery of nutrients and removal of waste for optimal healing.
Elixir MD Treatment Programs for Rhinoplasty
Elixir Detox
This pre-operative therapy uses blue light to reduce the number of bacteria, oils, and toxins on the skin, reducing surgical complications such as infection.
Elixir Cellular Repair
Post-rhinoplasty, Cellular Repair uses yellow light to improve circulation, reducing bruising and swelling, accelerating healing, and shortening recovery.
Elixir NeoXcell
The NeoXcell™ treatment program combines the benefits of Elixir Cellular and Thermal to boost healing and balance melanin production for a more even skin tone.
Elixir RoXium
RoXium™ uses yellow and blue light to reduce swelling/bruising, prevent skin oxidation, decrease sebum, minimize pores, and clear the complexion.
What is the cost of Lip Filler Injections?
Filler starts at $800/syringe, may need 1-2 syringes for adequate results.
Real Patients, Real Results
Patient Testimonials
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As Seen In
Dr. Tina Ho in the Press
Dr. Tina Ho has been featured in leading media publications that highlight her expertise in facial plastic surgery.
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