Local doctor discusses benefits of new, longer-lasting lip filler

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- There's a new tool for turning back the hands of time on the face and it addresses one of the most challenging areas - the lips.

We speak, we eat, we drink - and more - with our lips. Over time, the natural fat in them thins out.

For decades, cosmetic doctors have tried a host of ways to smooth fine lines and restore liplines.

But Dr. Tim Greco from Eastern Cosmetic Surgery says fillers haven't been able to endure the continual movement of the mouth.

"There's constant shearing forces that are placed on any product that's placed in the lips. those shearing forces will break down the filler," said Dr. Greco.

That means getting treatments every 6 months, sometime more.

Overfilling the lips to stretch the interval didn't help.

"Sometimes too much can be put in, you've now converted this beautiful structure of the human face into a hot dog," said Dr. Greco.

Two weeks ago, the Food & Drug administration gave the green light to Juvederm Ultra XC - a new product in the popular Juvederm line.

It's the first filler shown to last for a year in lips.

Dr. Greco, who was involved in clinical tests on the new filler, says it goes in smoothly, and it has an anesthetic built right in to decrease discomfort around the sensitive mouth area.

He's noticed another difference.

"It doesn't have that propensity to have that tremendous swelling reaction right after the injection, which can scare patients," said Dr. Greco.

He says Juvederm Ultra XC also brings up the corners of the mouth, for a happier, more youthful look.

Dr. Greco says the cost could vary between $400 and $1,000 dollars, depending on how much Juvederm is needed.

That's competitive with other fillers, but they need to be used more often.