| British patient receives world's first permanent silicone lip implants |
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| Thursday, 15 February 2007 | |
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Previous trials of permanent lip implants used a material made from Gore-Tex, the waterproof material used for raincoats, but these were discontinued when it was discovered that the implants caused unnatural growth in the surrounding tissue. Patrick Mallucci, a consultant plastic surgeon said: “Previously, the materials used in permanent implants could promote tissue ingrowth which can result in a restricted, unnatural smile. So historically surgeons have preferred to use temporary solutions which need regular ‘top-ups’. “The PermaLip implants are soft and malleable, so the look and feel is entirely natural and wouldn’t hinder any activity such as kissing or eating.” The implants cost between £2,000 and £2,500, and are targeted at patients whose lips have narrowed with age, or who want to increase the size of their natural lips. The lip implant procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic, with the surgeon making two small incisions in the corner of the mouth and passing the implant through a tunnel in the lips. Within 24 hours, patients are able to eat and drink normally. |
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