How does the SoftForm® facial implant work?
The SoftForm® facial implant helps to eliminate deep facial creases and furrows by providing structure and support underneath the skin. The SoftForm® facial implant helps to reduce the depth of the creases or furrow by raising the crease or furrow to the level of the surrounding skin.
What are the appropriate uses for SoftForm® facial implant?
Areas with actual tissue loss, relative tissue deficiency or deep facial creases such as nasolabial folds, oral commissures, deep glabellar furrows and the vermilion border, may be appropriate indications for SoftForm® facial implant.
Who is a candidate for SoftForm® facial implant?
SoftForm® implant is best suited for someone with pronounced facial creases or furrows who is seeking lasting results. SoftForm® implant is not an appropriate treatment for fine, superficial lines. Prior to treatment you will discuss, in consultation with your physician, whether you are an appropriate candidate for the SoftForm® facial implant procedure.
What is involved in the SoftForm® facial implant procedure?
Treatment with SoftForm® implant consists of a simple in-office procedure done under a local anesthetic. The implant is inserted below the surface of the skin through two small incisions. The procedure generally takes less than one-half house, but will vary depending on the number of implants used.
Does the procedure hurt?
Each person will respond differently to the procedure. You may feel discomfort when the doctor injects a local anesthetic. However, you should not feel discomfort during the actual procedure.
How will my face look and feel following the procedure?
You may experience some swelling or bruising, which usually lasts for a few days up to one week following treatment. A stitch is placed in each incision site which is generally removed three to five days following the procedure. Many patients return to normal activities the day after treatment as these effects may be partially camouflaged with cosmetics.
Some patients experience a sensation of tightness in the implanted area for approximately five to seven days. You always will be able to "feel" the implant under your skin, although, this should decrease over time.
Can the procedure leave a scar?
As with any surgical procedure, there are associated risks and benefits. In order to place each implant, one or two small incisions approximately 1/4 of an inch in size must be made in the skin. Although there will be scars at these incision sites, they are located in places where they are difficult to detect - over time they usually become unnoticeable.
How long will it take to see results?
While you will see results immediately, some swelling occurs and final healing takes approximately three to four months. Within five to seven days following the implantation, most people will not be able to tell that you have had a procedure.
How long will results last?
The SoftForm® facial implant is a permanent material. It will remain in the area in which it was placed unless you choose to have it removed. As you age, furrows may slowly reappear over time.
Can patients be allergic to ePTFE?
While it is possible to have an allergic reaction to almost any material, there have been no reported cases of an allergic reaction to the ePTFE material.
Will treatment with SoftForm® facial implant take the place of other surgical procedures such as face-lifts or treatment of fine, superficial wrinkles?
People who have excess facial skin, those who want a resurfacing of their skin or who have fine, superficial lines, may not be appropriate candidates for SoftForm® facial implant alone. However, physicians often use SoftForm® facial implant in conjunction with other procedures to fill in deep creases or furrows not amenable to other procedures.
How does SoftForm® facial implant differ from other filler materials such as Collagen Replacement Therapy® or fat injections?
SoftForm® facial implant is a subdermal implant which helps to eliminate deep furrows by providing structure and support underneath the skin. It is a persistent material which is not absorbed or broken down by the body over time.
Filler materials, such as Collagen Replacement Therapy® and fat injections, reduce wrinkles by "filling in" the lines and wrinkles just under the surface of the skin. Collagen Replacement Therapy and fat are gradually absorbed by the body and need to be re-injected.
