Lip Augmentation in Conjunction With Facelift: Preliminary Experience With A New Permanent Implant
Accepted 13 February 2009.
Background
Classic facial rejuvenation has not addressed permanent perioral rejuvenation, but has relied mainly on temporary fillers. The Permafacial Implant (SurgiSil, Plano, TX), which is a permanent contoured soft silicone implant, was recently cleared by the US Food and Drug Administration. Currently, there are few reports on its effectiveness in lip augmentation.
Objective
The authors, who have to date inserted more than 100 of these new implants, report their preliminary assessment of the implants' effectiveness for improvement of the aging lip in conjunction with facelift.
Methods
Blunt scissor dissection was performed, followed by placement of a tendon passer along the course of the moist and dry vermilion junction. The implants were then threaded in the correct position. Placement location in the upper lip was critical. The key position is between the submucosa and the muscle, rather than intramuscularly, where the implant might migrate into a deep position. Bimanual palpation was performed to confirm the proper position.
Results
Initial results in two cases are presented with six-months of follow-up. Both patients expressed satisfaction with the results. Neither experienced any distortion or migration.
Conclusions
The implants are easy to insert if proper care is taken. The results are permanent and address the aging mouth effectively. A formal two-year study is pending. (Aesthet Surg J;29:356-359)
Reprint requests: Thomas Narsete, MD, Personique, 630 W. 34th St., Austin, TX 78705
DISCLOSURES
The authors have no financial interest in and receive no compensation from manufacturers of products mentioned in this article.
1 Drs. Narsete and Ersek are are in private practice in Austin, TX
ABSTRACT