Lip Implant – Permalip

Dr. F. Ouakil, aesthetic surgery Paris, information, prices, photos, blog on lip surgery, lip implant – Permalip, permanent lip volume enhancement implant. By an expert aesthetic surgeon trained by the best Brazilian and French aesthetic surgeons, with over 25 years of experience in facial plastic surgery, reviews. A French pioneer of the lip implant method – Permalip since 2008.

Lip Implant – PermaLip for Permanent Enhancement

Overview of the Lip Implant – PermaLip

The lip implant – Permalip is a facial lip implant designed to permanently increase the volume of the upper and lower lips.
Developed by two plastic surgeons in Dallas (United States) since the early 2000s.
While the Goretex implant has been abandoned by most surgeons due to its medium-term rigidity related to its porosity, a new technique emerged in the early 2000s: the silicone PermaLip™ implant.
Permalip is made of solid, soft and elastic polymerized silicone, in a single block and without a shell.

PermaLip™ was first approved by the FDA (U.S. authority) and then obtained CE marking.

Why Choose the Lip Implant Technique – Permalip?

Two situations arise:

You have already received lip injections

  • You are generally disappointed with the result
    • insufficient duration of hyaluronic acid
    • not natural enough appearance
    • sometimes presence of small lumps of product
    • results vary from session to session
  • You are looking for alternatives to hyaluronic acid
    • too constraining, as it needs to be redone periodically
    • unstable results over time
    • sessions are sometimes experienced as painful with a significant risk of bruising
    • post-injection edema requires planning for a few days of social withdrawal
  • You find the accumulated budget too heavy over time

You have never received lip injections

  • You like the idea of a fixed, stable, and permanent result
  • You are not very keen on getting injections in your lips
  • You are looking for a method that has a natural appearance despite a real volume increase
  • You have seen cases and are attracted to this method

What is the Technique for Placing the Lip Implant – Permalip?

Permalip is placed

  • under pure local anesthesia
  • through 2 small mucosal incisions behind the corners, inside the mouth
  • under the lip mucosa
  • in the full thickness of the lip at its center, visually imperceptible
  • after creating a small tunnel in each lip

PermaLip

  • does not alter the shape of the mouth and respects the natural contour of the lip

PermaLip

  • uniformly increases the volume of the lip, without affecting the width of the mouth or correcting asymmetries

Is it a Complex Technique?

  • Permalip is simple to place and well tolerated. Its smooth surface allows for quick removal in the office.
  • Lip volume enhancement with implants can be combined with a lift of the upper lip for a natural and aesthetic effect.
  • Some recommend a lipofilling of the lips, but this method is deemed inappropriate: heavy aftereffects, unstable volume, unpredictable results, and long recovery time.

What Certifications Does the PermaLip Lip Implant Have?

  • PermaLip™ has been approved by the FDA and then obtained CE marking. Reliable surgery practiced for over 10 years.
  • Not widely disseminated in France due to lack of technical training, but demand is growing.

How is the Choice of PermaLip Lip Enhancement Implants Made?

  • Available in 9 references: 3 thicknesses (3, 4, 5 mm) and 3 lengths (55, 60, 65 mm)
  • The choice depends on the length of your lips and the desired volume, decided together. Results from previous injections can serve as a reference.

Apart from a very noticeable difference between the two lips, two implants (upper and lower) are almost always placed, possibly of different diameters for harmony.

What are the Post-Operative Follow-ups After Placing a Permanent Lip Implant – Permalip?

Follow-ups marked by sometimes significant edema and bruising for at least 5 days.
Initial mechanical discomfort (eating, speaking, smiling) that can last 2 to 3 weeks. Rehabilitation starting from the 3rd week.
Do not massage the implant unless medically indicated.
Anti-herpetic prevention possible in case of history.
Stop smoking for 3 weeks postoperatively to reduce the risk of displacement.

Tolerance of the Lip Implant – Permalip

Implant imperceptible except for certain forced facial expressions. Can be felt upon palpation, but is not bothersome.
If discomfort persists for more than 3 months → removal possible in the office.
Rare risk of displacement requiring repositioning.
A fibrous capsule may exceptionally form.
Very rare infection (<1%).
Implant designed to last (for life), no change necessary.
Hyaluronic acid injections remain possible as a complement.

Will This Change the Shape of My Lips?

No. The enhancement is uniform and respects the natural contour. The upper lip is better defined, but the width of the mouth is not altered. Does not correct asymmetries.

Can a Single Lip Implant – Permalip Be Placed?

Apart from a very marked asymmetry, two implants (upper + lower) are almost always placed, sometimes of different diameters to balance.
Even if the upper lip appears thinner, it is often more projected from the side: to avoid accentuating this imbalance, the lower lip should also be implanted.

In Conclusion

Two reference techniques today:

  • Hyaluronic acid injections: custom remodeling, safe, comfortable, repeatable.
  • Lip Implant – PermaLip™: simple, permanent, reversible, natural, economical. Rarely poorly tolerated (removal possible).