If you’ve long coveted the lips of stars like Angelina Jolie, Scarlett Johansson or the iconic Marilyn Monroe, you’ve probably done some research on lip augmentation procedures and wondered which option would, once and for all, give you the plump, pouty, natural look so admired on stage and screen. While there are several options available, from temporary injectable solutions to implants, Board certified New York City plastic surgeon Dr. Matthew Schulman is particularly excited about PermaLip lip augmentation implants.
What makes PermaLip Implants Different from Others?
PermaLip lip implants are a significant and pleasing step up from previous varieties of cosmetic lip implants. They have been a life-changer for many of Dr. Schulman’s patients who wanted to boost and plump up thin lips, or who have experienced the thinning of the lips that often comes with the aging process.
Previous models of permanent lip implants came with several disadvantages, the most obvious of which was their unnatural look and feel. Some of them had what Dr. Schulman calls the “cigarette roll” look, as the ends were not tapered to conform to the natural shape of the mouth. Many of these older lip implants would migrate into unnatural positions over time, causing lip distortion and difficulty with activities like speaking, eating and kissing. They were also difficult to customize, so that also contributed to the unnatural look of older styles of lip implants.
In addition to these problems, if a patient later wanted a lip implant removed, the process was difficult and complicated because, over time, the body would begin to absorb the material and the implant would become one with the patient’s face, sometimes in an unnatural position. Bruising, scarring and swelling were frequent side effects of the removal process, and more extensive work was usually needed to restore the patient’s natural lip contours.
PermaLip implants, however, are extremely easy to implant; they are even easy to remove if the patient later feels that is necessary. Otherwise, PermaLip lip implants can stay put and perform well and naturally for years and years. They are made out of a soft, non-reactive silicone that has a natural feel and texture when inserted inside the lip. Patients rave about how natural these lips feel when eating, talking and even kissing.
Another thing that patients enjoy about PermaLip lip augmentation is that they are more customizable than previous styles of lip implants. They are tapered at each end to prevent the “cigarette roll” look and they come in three different widths and three different lengths. The patient can choose either a 3-millimeter, 4-millimeter or 5 millimeter diameter, along with the correct length. The wider the diameter, of course, the bigger the pout.
PermaLip implants also do not become incorporated into the body’s other tissues over the course of time. This is an added benefit for those patients who choose this lip augmentation procedure. If the patient later decides to remove the implant for any reason, the removal process is as simple as the original insertion process. The insert just slides right out, and recovery time is minimal.
Some patients initially express concern that perhaps the PermaLip lip augmentation inserts will rupture or leak, but they cannot do this. They are made from solid, but soft, flexible silicone that remains inert inside of the lips. There is no liquid component to the implants, so there is no danger of leaking.
For most of Dr. Schulman’s patients with PermaLip, however, these implants have lasted and looked great for years and years, so it’s relatively uncommon for him to have a removal request with these particular models.
Is PermaLip Lip Augmentation Better than Injected Solutions?
For years, lip augmentation by way of an injectable fat, collagen or other solution was the standard procedure for people going for the pouty, kissable look. Over the years, more sophisticated injectable solutions were developed, including hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is naturally produced by the body, so adverse allergic reactions are extremely rare.
Dr. Schulman also has excellent results using several other non-surgical lip fillers such as Restylane®, Juvederm®, Perlane®, Radiesse®, Sculptra® and Belotero®. These all produce wonderfully natural, plump, pouty puckers and are a good option for many patients on a temporary basis.
The keyword here is temporary; lip augmentation injections usually last from about six to nine months, on average. So the main issue that patients have with injected solutions is that they have to be re-injected a couple of times a year to keep the pretty pout going strong. The cost of these repetitive injections can add up over time. Painful, biannual injections and the inconvenience factor of having to schedule the procedure and recover from it regularly can be a turn off for many patients.
The PermaLip lip implant, on the other hand, is truly permanent. It stays put and continues to plump up your pucker, so you only have to pay for it one time and then proceed to enjoy life with the fuller lips you’ve always wanted without having to keep paying to have them redone periodically.
What Should I Expect from a PermaLip Implant Procedure?
If you would like to know more about PermaLip lip augmentation or any other lip enhancing procedures, please schedule an appointment to talk with Dr. Schulman personally. He will talk with you about all of the options we can provide and help you plan a procedure that will create the best look and overall outcome for you.
If you and Dr. Schulman opt for PermaLip lip augmentation, you’ll schedule another appointment for the short, outpatient procedure. Dr. Schulman will use a local anesthetic and then cut tiny slits on either side of the mouth to slide the PermaLip implant right into the correct area of the lip, or lips. You can have the bottom, top or both lips augmented in this way.
Following the lip augmentation, you will probably experience some swelling, pain and tenderness in the area, particularly over the first 24 to 48 hours. Some patients experience minor bruising as well, but this is not common. You should be able to see the final results over the course of the next few days as the swelling continues to go down. Tenderness and light sensitivity can last for about two weeks in most cases. Just be sure to follow Dr. Schulman’s recommendations for recovery for the best outcome.
If there is ever a reason you want to have these lip implants removed, the process is fairly straightforward and simple. Once again, tiny incisions will be made on either side of the mouth and Dr. Schulman will simply slide the PermaLip implant right out.
If you are curious about the results other patients are getting from PermaLip lip augmentation, we invite you to look through the lip augmentation photo gallery. You might also benefit from hearing Dr. Schulman talk about PermaLip implants on his YouTube channel. But to find out how PermaLip lip augmentation, or any of our other lip augmentation procedures could give you the lips you’ve always wanted, definitely schedule an appointment with Dr. Schulman today.
