Lip Implant
By: Charlotte Ames
Updated: January 29, 2008
Surgery for lip augmentation involves the use of implants. There are several different types that can be used.
Some physicians are using an implant for lip augmentation, called FulFil™. It's similar to the saline implants used for breast augmentation except on a much smaller scale.
A tiny incision is made into the side of the lips and the implant is slid into place. Then, saline is slowly injected into the implant through a tiny valve. The amount of saline can be adjusted to provide the desired degree of augmentation. The entire procedure takes only about 15 minutes. Cost of the implant is about $4,000.
The Fulfil implant has received CE approval for marketing in Europe and is waiting FDA approval here in the U.S.
Plastic Surgeon, Michael Salzhauer, M.D., says patients like the lip implant because it feels natural and can be adjusted to meet their expectations.
Although it is considered to be a permanent device, FulFil can be removed if a patient is unhappy with the results. The manufacturer reports more than 600 implants have been placed worldwide in the past two years and there have been no reports of adverse reactions. Salzhauer reports the company is now working on an adjustable model that will enable doctors to add or remove fluid with a syringe.
Some physicians are using an implant for lip augmentation, called FulFil™. It's similar to the saline implants used for breast augmentation except on a much smaller scale.
A tiny incision is made into the side of the lips and the implant is slid into place. Then, saline is slowly injected into the implant through a tiny valve. The amount of saline can be adjusted to provide the desired degree of augmentation. The entire procedure takes only about 15 minutes. Cost of the implant is about $4,000.
The Fulfil implant has received CE approval for marketing in Europe and is waiting FDA approval here in the U.S.
Plastic Surgeon, Michael Salzhauer, M.D., says patients like the lip implant because it feels natural and can be adjusted to meet their expectations.
Although it is considered to be a permanent device, FulFil can be removed if a patient is unhappy with the results. The manufacturer reports more than 600 implants have been placed worldwide in the past two years and there have been no reports of adverse reactions. Salzhauer reports the company is now working on an adjustable model that will enable doctors to add or remove fluid with a syringe.
Charlotte Ames is the area's only local Health Reporter and brings you the latest medical health news weeknights. You can catch Healthcast on WTAJ News at 5:00pm and her Health Headlines report on WTAJ News at 5:30pm.