Softform Facial Implant

What Is A Softform Facial Implant?

The SoftForm facial implant is a permanent facial implant used to reduce deep facial furrows or creases such as those between the nose and the corners of the mouth, deep frown lines and to enhance or augment the size of the lips.

What Is The Softform Implant Made Of?

The SoftForm facial implant is a soft, hollow tube made of a biocompatible polymer called ePTFE (expanded polytetrafluorethylene). The ePTFE polymer is a medically proven material that has been used for more than twenty years in over than 3.5 million people. It the constituent material for replacement blood vessels, the mesh used in hernial and abdominal wall repairs, and now for soft tissue augmentation of the face.

How Does The Softform Implant Work?

The SoftForm facial implant helps to eliminate deep facial creases and furrows or augment lips by providing structure and support underneath the skin. The implant helps to reduce the depth of the crease or furrow by raising that crease or furrow to the level of the surrounding skin. Over time your own tissue grows into the hollow center of the implant holding it in place and thereby, preventing it from migrating.

Who Is A Candidate For Softform Facial Implant?

The SoftForm facial implant is best suited for someone who is seeking a permanent solution for their pronounced facial creases or for their thinning lips. This implant is not suitable for the treatment of fine, superficial lines.

What Is Involved In the Softform Facial Implant Procedure?

Treatment with the SoftForm facial implant consists of a simple in-office procedure done under local anesthetic. The implant is inserted below the surface of the skin through two small incisions which are closed with sutures. The procedure generally takes less than one-half hour, but will vary depending on the number of implants used.

How Will My Face Look And Feel Following The Procedure?

You may experience some swelling or bruising, which usually lasts from a few days to up to one week following treatment. Sutures used to close each incision site are generally removed three to five days after the procedure. In general, you can return to your regular activities the day following placement of the implant(s).

Some patients experience a sensation of tightness in the implanted area for five to seven days. You will be able to feel the implant under your skin, however, this sensation will diminish over time.

How Long Will It Take To See Results?

You will see the results of the implant immediately, although any postoperative swelling and/or bruising that occurs may obscure the results for up to a week. As soon as any bruising or swelling resolves, you will begin to enjoy the benefits of the implant. Final healing takes from three to four months.

How Long Will It My Results Last?

The SoftForm facial implant is a permanent material. It will remain in the area implanted for good, unless you choose to have it removed. As you age, furrows may slowly reappear over time.

What If I Don't Like The Results?

Although the implant is permanent, it can be removed as simply as it was inserted, if you are unhappy with the results. Like the insertion procedure, removal of the implant is a simple in-office procedure done under local anesthetic.

How Does The Softform Facial Implant Differ From Collagen Or Fat Injections?

The SoftForm facial implant helps to eliminate deep furrows or enhance lips by providing structure and support underneath the skin. The implant consists of a permanent material which is neither absorbed or broken down by the body over time. Filler materials injected under the surface of the skin, such as collagen and fat reduce wrinkles and fine lines by "filling" them in. They are gradually absorbed by the body and need to be reinjected in order to maintain the results.

How Expensive Is The Softform Facial Implant?

We charge by the number of strands of Softform used, currently $500 per strand. Usually, undesirable furrows are on both sides of the face and require two strands. Upper and lower lips require three strands.

Are Their Any Complications to Having The Softform Facial Implant?

The SoftForm facial implant is an exceedingly safe and well tolerated implant. Common complications of insertion are minor and include temporary swelling and bruising. Infection and scarring after implantation, although rare, are possibilities. To date, no allergies to the ePTFE material have been reported.