How safe are permanent fillers?

Although permanence sounds appealing with fillers, a forever treatment is a double edged sword.  I have seen many patients regret having had silicone of PMMA injections in their lips, 5-7 years down the road.  Secondly, using something "permanent" on a face which will change inevitably with age is a flawed concept.  The good news is that although hyaluronic acid fillers are not permanent in the lips, there is some "holdover benefit", especially for patients who have the procedure performed repetitively over several years. Depending on how much volume you would prefer to have in your lips, either Restylane or Juvederm are good choices. 

Permanent fillers are very safe. You'll want to see someone meticulous. Fat or implants are alternatives. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a facial sculpting expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Generally permanent fillers are safe, but remember, if it is not injected into your lips in perfectly, it is permanent and uncorrectable. One other issue which is possible is what is called "biofilm." This is an infection that can get into any type of implant, which is what a permanent filler is, and this can cause problems, and very hard to treat.If you have this done with a permanent filler, make sure someone very experienced and skilled does it for you, and I suggest using a micro-cannula instead of a needle.Thank you for your question, and best of luck to you.

I don't use permanent fillers because they can cause allergic reactions (granulomas) that can be very difficult to treat.  In my opinion, it is much safer to use a non-permanent filler.  Hyaluronic acid fillers such as Juvederm or Restylane are the preferred filler for the lips.  Regards,Dr. Ort

Great question!  There are permanent fillers, but they are not in general use and I do not use them.  I would discourage my clients from using a permanent option for lip filler, as a poor result could not be readily reversed.  Fat injections are not permanent, as the injected fat is only partly incorporated, and the remainder shrinks over ten years.  PermaLip is an excellent option for those desiring long-term or permanent results.  It is a silicone lip implant, placed in the office under local anesthesia, and can be removed, replaced or enlarged as you desire.  Best to you, Dr. Kennedy