Perma pouts

Would you consider plumping up your pout permanently? A new procedure could do just that

The latest craze in lip enhancement are silicone implants that can be fitted in 15 minutes. But could you end up looking less like Angelina Jolie, and more like Leslie Ash?

Although not totally without risk, newly designed lip implants are a procedure that could put an end to other less permanent treatments.

How the procedure works :

• Designed to give the first-ever natural-looking alternative to constant top-ups with fillers, the patented PermaLip implant is made of a soft, solid elastomer which mimics the contours of the lip.
• Previously, the materials used in permanent implants could promote tissue in-growth, which can result in a restricted, unnatural smile. So, historically, practitioners have preferred to use temporary solutions which need regular 'top-ups'.
• The implant is solid, so it cannot rupture, deflate or leak. It has a smooth surface that tapers at both ends to conform naturally to the normal lip, and is available in a variety of diameters and lengths to accommodate the uniqueness of each person's characteristics.
• Although PermaLip is designed to be permanent, it is also easily reversible: removal of implants typically takes less than ten minutes.
• The procedure is relatively simple to perform. The mouth and lips are locally anaesthetised; then, two small incisions are made in the corners of the mouth. The implant is then passed through a tunnel in the lip and centred. The process is repeated for the other lip and the incisions are closed using dissolving stitches.
• The entire process is designed to take less than fifteen minutes and normal activity may be resumed the following day.
• The implants are soft and malleable, so the look and feel is entirely natural and wouldn't hinder any activity such as kissing or eating.
• Pricing can vary between £2,000-£2,500

Patrick Mallucci, plastic surgeon appearing on LK offers this advice :

Is it safe?

• The mouth heals very quickly so the cuts will not be a problem and unlike the injections we have used to inflate lips in the past the implants can be easily removed

Will it scar?

• The lips should heal quickly on their own

Words of caution from GP Dr Sarah Jarvis :

• This product is relatively new - we don't know what will happen in the future
• Because it's a fifteen minute procedure people think it's safe - just because it's easily accessible doesn't mean it's without it's problems.
• If anything does go wrong it's in a very obvious place on your face. 

For more information on lip implants go to http://www.lpsa.co.uk or call 0870 780 9771