HOUSTON – The days of "duck face" are now a thing of the past thanks to a new, more natural-looking lip enhancement procedure.
Michelle O'Neil was one of the first patients to try Restylane Silk, the new FDA-approved lip filler. O'Neil said she was always self-conscious about her smile before the procedure.
"Nobody can really tell I did it," she explained. "Everyone is asking what did I do? I look so much younger. I look happier."
Dr. Sherry Ingraham works at Houston's Advanced Dermatology, which is one of 65 clinics nationwide offering Restylane Silk.
"When it comes to lip injections really most any patient is a candidate because we could all use a little better definition of our lips as we are aging," Ingraham said.
The procedure uses an ultrafine needle to inject a clear gel formulation of hyaluronic acid, which is a sugar naturally present in skin. The result is a subtle smoothing of wrinkles and fine lines.
"Often times on TV we see people that have a very ‘done' look and that's not what we're trying to achieve," said Ingraham. "We're just trying to achieve a natural enhancement really to give you the lips that you already have but just fuller and more defined."
However, there are things to keep in mind before undergoing the procedure.
"Patients need to stop any type of blood thinners before the treatment," she said. "They also want to avoid drinking any alcohol or chewing gum the day of the treatment. They can expect some swelling for a few days after the treatment."
Restylane Silk injections typically last between six to nine months. It costs about $600 per treatment.