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Alloderm is effective in long lasting lip augmentation, however, I don't like to use this product in the lips because it becomes part of the lip tissue and is impossible to remove later if the patient doesn't like it. For my patients, I much prefer to use a silicone product called Perma Lip Facial Implant. This has been thoroughly tested and is very effective for long term lip augmentation. It is permanent, but can be removed if the patient no longer wants the implant later in life. It comes in various sizes and the proper size can be selected based on the patient's desires. The implant is very soft and not palpable in the lip. For luscious, perfectly kissable lips ask your surgeon about Perma Lip. (usually costs $1800-2000 for both upper and lower lips and is performed in the office)
Alloderm is no longer the first choice for soft tissue augmentation the lips. Instead, opt for a hyaluronic acid facial filler such as Juvederm or Restylane. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian
I use Alloderm for my long term lip augmentations, and also in the glabellar region of the forehead (the area just above the nose between the eyebrows). The trick to having Alloderm last 5 years or more is to use the thickest piece, don't fold it, don't put any stitches in it. The process that eats up dissolvable stitches will unfortunately also eat up the Alloderm. You make an incision at either end of the lip in an area known as the commisure, and then use a tendon passer to position the Alloderm in whatever area of the lip you desire. Some of the patients in whom I placed Alloderm over 10 years ago still have Alloderm present in their lips. The pros of Alloderm are obvious. It lasts a very long time if done correctly and it is a quick surgery which can be done under local. The cons are that it is relatively pricey, and if not done correctly, can dissolve much quicker than you want it to.
I have used Alloderm implants for lip augmentation to give a longer results than the HA fillers. But I prefer Silikon 1000 which is truly wonderful, and have also had good luck with the Perma Facial Implant. Good luck!
It does have a longer result than hyaluronic acids but does resorb over time. Drawbacks are the cost of the product. Another option is utilizing SMAS tissue from a mini face lift