Perma Lip Implant: Report of Initial Experience.

Lip augmentation alternatives.

Scottsdale – An interesting permanent silicone implant for lip augmentation was recently approved by the FDA. It is called, the Perma Lip implant and its use has been recently reported in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal. The implant is manufactured by SurgiSil in Plano, TX. The silicone implants are designed and approved for lip augmentation and are available in three thickness levels at 3, 4, and 5 mm and variable lengths of 55, 60, and 65 mm to fit any adult lip.

The authors point out that the upper lip is longer, so longer implants are typically used in this location. When planning the augmentation, the authors suggest that the lower lip should be twice as full as the upper lip and it can be altered with thicker implants. The key in the design with this implant occurs at the ends. The ends are tapered to match the thinner ends of your lips. This makes the results appear very natural.

The implants were placed at the time of face lift and were done under twilight sleep using ketamine and valium plus local anesthesia. After nerve blocks were applied, additional local anesthesia is introduced into the lips, along the course of the moist and dry lip. The implants were then easily threaded in the correct position. The surgeon can confirm proper position before closing incisions. The authors placed nearly 100 implants in this study with a follow-up of six months. Patients expressed satisfaction with the treatment.

I think this is an interesting method that could be useful in some patients. Patients should be aware that a lot of swelling and bruising has been seen in using this technique. This is the first published article on this subject. The FDA-approved, Perma Lip implant is available at the AB Guerra Plastic Surgery Center.