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Lip augmentation can be risky. If done correctly, treatment therapies that give you firmer, fuller lips can make you look dramatic and stunning. But after seeing pictures of so many cases gone wrong, resulting in taut and comically large lips, you may be nervous to give it a try. If you’re looking for a natural and safe alternative way to increase your lip size, don’t turn to injections – give implants a try!

Life implants are a new trend in plastic surgery showing promising results. SurgiSil ™, a Texas medical device manufacturing company, recently introduced the Perma Facial Implant™. The product’s innovation is causing quite a buzz.

The Perma Facial Implant is a silicone implant designed for the lips, but with the capability for implantation into the cheeks, nose, and chin. It was approved by the FDA in 2007, and there are over 100 surgeons in the United States offering Perma Facial Implants. Unlike silicone injections, Perma Facial Implants consist of two solid elastomer pieces inserted into the lips. They come in different sizes, and can be easily removed if there are problems or you are unsatisfied. They look and feel smooth and natural. Because they are solid, they will not break or leak, nor will they develop scar tissue around the implant sight.

Although the cost of Perma Facial Implants is higher than injectable fillers, the procedure only has to be performed once or permanent results (unlike injections, which may be needed every few months). Following the surgery, you may experience side effects including swelling, bruising, and pain. You may be prescribed medication to help with these issues.

Although Perma implants are known to be safe an effective, there are other synthetic implants avialble. These include products like AlloDerm®, which is derived from human cadaver tissue. Although this product feels natural, it only lasts between six and 12 months. SoftForm, GORE-TEX® and Ultrasoft are other brands that rely on expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, a non-biodegradable synthetic polymer.

Meeting with a board-certified plastic surgeon is the most important step in determining which procedure is the best fit for you. Any procedure of this sort should be conducted by a trained specialist. No matter what, the doctor can make a huge difference between making your lips look full and just awkwardly swollen.

Full lips are unquestionably considered to be attractive and youthful, and one of the leading symbols of sensuality today. Since so many of the world’s top movie stars and models have the full-lipped look more people are starting to seek out ways to get the same plumped up lips. Today there are several different options for cosmetic lip enhancement, both temporary and permanent.

Injectable Fillers For Lip Enhancement

Injectable fillers are the most common method of lip enhancement today. These fillers are made of either bovine collagen or hyaluronic acid. Bovine collagen fillers such as Zyderm and Cosmoderm are injected via a very thin gauge needle into the borders of the lips or the body of the lips. Bovine collagen fillers are capable of filling out the lips immediately and of adding volume to any area of the lips. Bovine collagen fillers generally last for between three and six months. While bovine collagen fillers are extremely effective at adding volume and creating any change in the lips desired, they do have one potential drawback. Patients who have an allergy or sensitivity to bovine collagen cannot use this particular type of injectable filler. Most physicians require that lip enhancement patients undergo a pre-treatment bovine collagen allergy test to make certain that there will not be any problems with the treatment. In cases where the patient demonstrates an allergy to bovine collagen hyaluronic acid fillers are the preferred option.

Hyaluronic acid injectable fillers are used in a very similar way to bovine collagen fillers as they are injected through a long thin needle into any area of the lip that needs added volume or enhancement. Hyaluronic acid fillers such as Juvederm and Restylane are derived from non-animal sources and very closely mimic the hyaluronic acid that is found naturally in the human body. Fillers that are composed of hyaluronic acid do not require any pre-treatment allergy testing since the product is virtually identical to the collagen builders already in the body. One of the advantages of hyaluronic acid fillers is that they have more longevity than their collagen counterparts: Most hyaluronic acid fillers last from six to twelve months.

Permanent Lip Enhancement Methods

Some patients who are seeking a permanent lip enhancement may choose to use implantable synthetic materials such as Gore-Tex and SoftForm. These materials are soft, pliable, and can be surgically inserted into the lips to provide a permanent increase in volume. These options are more expensive than the injectable fillers but their permanent nature makes them a better long term value for some patients. Some patients may experience side effects from lip implants such as allergic reactions to the implanted material. In some cases migration may occur, meaning the implants will travel outside the area where they were inserted. In such cases surgical removal and repositioning is required.