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 Photograph of VeraFil implant with filler tube and tether sutures attached. Theimplant is flat for insertion and is thenfilled with saline after placement (insert). |
Joseph Niamtu, D.M.D., who recently published a study on the VeraFil implant, says the implantation process is simple and offers the advantage of saline, which provides the same natural texture of the lips.
 24-year-old female patient before (left) and six weeks after (right) placement of upper and lower VeraFil implants. |
 Same patient exhibiting normal animation after implant placement. (Reprinted with permission from Niamtu J. Experience and Evaluation of a New, Saline-Filled Implant for Cosmetic Lip Augmentation. Am J Cosmet Surg. 2007:24. ) |
Dr. Niamtu cautions that patient selection for lip implants is important and advises against using them in smokers or patients who make a living with their lips, such as scuba divers or woodwind or brass musicians.
SELECTIVE UPTAKE The new implants do have a place in the market, particularly because they give the physician the ability to shape the lip according to the patient's wishes, says Andrew Jacono, M.D., F.A.C.S. "The [VeraFil implant] represents an advance in technology and it's good to have a certain amount of customization," says Dr. Jacono, head of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at North Shore University Hospital Manhasset and assistant clinical professor in the Division of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary.
That's not to say he uses them, however.
"It's not that I don't think this is a good product, or at least potentially good, but my perspective is that the lips are a very thin, soft and movable portion of your face," he says. "I think when it comes to using a synthetic foreign body in a movable part of the face such as the lips, which are constantly moving – kissing, speaking, chewing and smiling, there is a real risk of having a significant problem."
