Dr. Earl Stephenson, Jr., is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Atlanta, Georgia at Prima Center; and has a talent and “eye” as a fine artist; with his unique surgical skills and cutting-edge technology, helps to create beautiful, lasting outcomes for his patients. He is renowned for his warmth, compassion, and ability to communicate even the most complex media information to help his patients achieve their goals.
Haute Beauty spoke with Dr. Earl Stephenson about dermal filler treatments.
HB: What do dermal fillers work to address?
Women are looking for fuller lips. Fuller lips are a signifier of youth, sensuality sexuality. Age-related changes often detract from these feelings. Lips get thinner with advancing age but the best thing is women can actually do something about this.
HB: Walk us through the procedure.
Dermal fillers are the most direct way to shape lips and give them the pout, thickness, and size that is desired. Examples of these fillers include Restylane and Juvéderm. The procedure is performed in the office. Comfort for my patients is a premium, so I use local anesthesia to numb the areas. Local anesthesia is more effective than numbing creams. Once the anesthesia has taken effect, typical two small needle sites are created at each corner of the mouth. This access allows the use of a small smooth cannula (thin, small, flexible tube) to place the filler in areas of the upper and lower lips. The use of the cannula decreases the chances of bruising and swelling. The procedure takes about 45 minutes.
HB: Who is a good candidate for lip fillers?
There are several characteristics of a good candidate: Good general health meaning someone who does not have bleeding issues, or more prone to infection (uncontrolled diabetes, immune disorders), a realistic expectation of the outcome, and hopefully no allergies of filler material.
HB: What is the recovery process like?
Aftercare is simple and involves the use of intermittent ice to lips for 2-3 days. The results are apparent in about 10 days and last typically 6-12 months. The goal is to create the most natural-looking lips. More than one treatment is typical to achieve the desired fullness and shape.
Photo Credit: Shutterstock
HB: What is the cost?
Price varies. In my practice, I design custom treatment plans for my patients that depend on the desired result and the type of filler(s) used. A general price range is $700-$2,100.00
Haute Beauty is affiliated with the luxury lifestyle publication Haute Living. As a section of Haute Living magazine, Haute Beauty covers the latest advancements in beauty and wellness, providing readers with expert advice on aesthetic and reconstructive treatments through its network of acclaimed surgeons.
