Permalip is a soft synthetic, permanent lip implant. These implants are made from ePTFE (expanded polytetrafluorethylene) and provide permanent results. While the results are permanent there are some disadvantages which can be discussed with Dr. Buckingham in detail during a consultation.
The consultation prior to a lip enhancement includes a full facial analysis performed in order to identify the best approach to meet your needs. Dr. Buckingham will also be sure to answer any questions or concerns that you have regarding lip enhancement or other cosmetic procedures.
Where the lip enhancement is performed varies according to whether the patient chooses to undergo injectable collagen therapy or lip implantation. Injectables are performed during an office visit while lip implantation may be performed in the office or an outpatient surgery center.
Injectables are often performed with just a topical or local anesthetic. Implants, on the other hand require local anesthesia with or without sedation.
Injectables begin with the application of a local anesthetic, followed by the injection of filler into the lips. Implantations are preceded by either a local anesthesia with sedation or deeper anesthesia. Then incisions are made and the implant is put inside, at which point the incisions are closed. The results of implantation are permanent, whereas injectables require repeat treatments in order to maintain their effect. Other surgical procedures also exist for permanent lip enhancement. A consultation will determine if a patient is a candidate.
The length of the procedure depends on which method of lip enhancement the patient chooses. Injectables can be expected to take fifteen minutes or more whereas implantations will take longer to perform.
For implants, incisions are usually made near the corner of the lips. For other surgical procedures the incisions are made inside the mouth or at the base of the nose.
The incisions made on the corners of the lips for lip enhancement procedures involving implants can be expected to leave scars which are nearly imperceptible. However, the risk of visible scarring is still present. For other surgical procedure, the risk of scarring depends on the procedure chosen.
The amount of pain a patient experiences varies according to which method of lip enhancement they choose to undergo. Injectables usually result in only minor pain or discomfort while implantations should be expected to be slightly more painful. It is an option to prescribe pain medication in this case, if necessary.
The length and details of a patients recovery after undergoing a lip enhancement depends on whether they select the method of injectables or implantation. After receiving injectables, recovery is often very mild and patients are usually able to resume their normal schedule immediately afterwards albeit with some swelling. Implants, on the other hand, should be expected to result in a longer recovery period, allowing patients to return to normal activities after a week or so. Regardless of which method they choose, patients may experience some swelling and bruising to be visible just after the procedure for about a week at the most.
After receiving injectables for lip enhancement, patients typically resume their normal activities immediately, however some swelling may prevent them from wanting to return to work. After receiving lip implants or other surgical lip enhancement the patient will probably be able to go back to work within a week.
Any surface sutures used for implants are usually removed within seven days.
The results of implants to enhance the lips are permanent. Injectables, however, only result in temporary effects that can be maintained with repeated injections about every 6 to 9 months.
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