Looking Better - NYC

I got Perma Facial Implants in my upper and lower lips 4 days ago. I think the results will end up looking quite nice. I tend to bruise and swell easily, which was the case, although in the last two days this has improved immensely. Still, I expect lingering swelling for a few weeks. I am eager to see what they will look like in about 2 months. From previous experience with cosmetic surgery, I realize now that it takes the body some time to recover, and everyone heals at a different rate. I am in my early 50s and my lips had lost volume due to age. Also, I had fine lines appeared on my upper lip although I have never smoked. I didn't want to get repeated injections of Restylane or whatever, to keep my lips plump. Not only is it a hassle, but over time, very costly. Perma Facial Implant is a great alternative.

It has been over two months since my lips were enhanced by Dr. P with Perma Facial Implant, and to say that I'm thrilled is almost an understatement. Although I have never smoked, my lips lost volume and became wrinkled with age. Glosses and lipsticks that promised to plump my lips didn't work at all. I didn't want to keep getting dermal filler injections, and chose Perma Facial Implant instead. The concept of a one-time procedure (and cost) that produced permanent results was compelling. Even better, the implants are easily removed if you change your mind or want to go up or down in implant size.

The lip implants have completely rejuvenated my lips. Now they match the rest of my face (which I refreshed about 3 years ago with a face and brow lift). My lips look naturally plump and full like they did years ago, with a nice projection too. The final result is very natural-looking...no "trout pout" or over-done puffer-fish look here! I especially love the fact that now I can simply apply a little lip gloss and they look fabulous.

People I know tell me I look great, but they can't put their finger on the change. When I tell them I had my lips done, they are surprised because my lips look very natural and beautiful.

One nice surprise...I really don't feel or notice the implants. I wasn't sure how they would feel. I was concerned I would always be conscious of their presence, but this just hasn't been the case. My boyfriend says my lips feel a little firmer when he kisses me now, but says that I am quite kissable with the implants!

Bottom line, I think Perma Facial Implant is a great solution for permanent lip augmentation (or rejuvenation in my case), when the procedure is done by a skilled and experienced facial cosmetic surgeon like Dr. Pearlman.

It's been almost 3 months since I got the Perma Facial Implants at Dr. P's office. I am extremely happy with the results/outcome. The difference in the appearance of my lips before and after the procedure is impressive.

If someone asked me about getting these lip implants, I'd tell them that if you want a permanent solution (vs. repeated injections of a dermal filler, and the on-going expense), go for it. I'm not sure about fat grafting and things like Alloderm(R) (cadaver tissue),but I've heard the long-term results vary and are unpredictable. You would have to talk to your plastic surgeon and then decide for yourself, but for me, a permanent solution with predictable, long-lasting results, is compelling. That is why I chose Perma Facial Implant.

The implant itself is soft and pliable, so the feel is close to natural. Due to the nature of the implant material (a solid silicone elastomer), there's no tissue in-growth (a problem with previous lip implants). This means they can be easily removed if you decided to change the size or whatever.

For me, the total healing time took a few weeks (to where my lips felt natural and comfortable again), but the swelling subsided in just a few days. If you get the implants done on a Thursday morning, you should look good enough to go back to work on Monday, based on my experience.

I highly recommend following the post-op exercise instructions. A few weeks after the procedure and when OK'd by your plastic surgeon, Surgisil offers some easy, daily exercises. They are stretching exercises, not massage. In fact, Surgisil specifically tells you not to massage. Doing these exercises helped my lips regain a natural feel. I can smile broadly and open my mouth as wide as I can without any discomfort or pulling sensation.

Last but not least, and I've said this before, find an experienced, board-certified cosmetic/plastic surgeon like Dr. P., with a great reputation and an excellent track record. An outstanding surgeon and a great product like Perma Facial Implant, is a winning combination.