Topics of Interest

January-June 2009

Soft Tissue Augmentation

 Soft tissue augmentation has seen renaissance of interest as an increasing number of clients seek aesthetic improvement without major downtime. One huge reason is the availability of Botox which works superbly in the upper face. This accomplishment of rejuvenating the upper face using Botox has created the need for agents that work equally well in the lower face. A second reason is that the introduction of many new implantable materials and techniques has contributed to the advancement of the field of cosmetic surgery over the past 15 years. Another reason for this re-interest is the concept of the three-dimensional face. The youthful face has much fuller look, not a pulled flat two-dimensional look. This has become one of the central tenets of the field of soft tissue augmentation. Moreover, affordable outpatient surgery has replaced much of the expensive hospital-based surgery and less invasive techniques provide a whole new repertoire of therapeutic options.

At the present time, the most popular substance used in soft tissue augmentation remains injectable bovine collagen. Collagen implants have become to be the gold standard of injectable fillers.

Botox has virtually revolutionized the approach to cosmetic enhancement of the upper face. Botox weakens the overactive underlying muscle contraction, causing a flattening of the facial skin and improved cosmetic appearance. It offers a unique approach for the treatment of facial lines caused by the hyperactive facial muscles. It results in significant cosmetic improvement for a period of 4-6 months.

In 1991, Teflon was used to correct the naso-labial folds and skin wrinkles with great success. Later, Fibrin foam was used, which induce local wound healing response that ultimately leads to new collagen formation.

Recently, Hyaluronic acid derivatives (Hylaform gel) were introduced for soft tissue augmentation with rare adverse reactions. Currently we have Restylane, Juvederm, Revaness, ReDexis. They are  mainly used for facial and lip augmentation.

Calcium derivative fillers are mainly used for volume filling such as cheeks. They last longer and build up collagen.

Autologous dermal implants, which is prepared from the patient’s own tissue, is used for fine lines, wrinkles, depressions, and lip augmentation.

Alloderm, which is acellular freeze-dried human dermis, is also used for facial tissue augmentation. Plexiglas is used extensively and is indicated for deeper wrinkles and furrows, naso-labial lines, radial lip lines, scar revision, and other dermal defects.

New arrivals are Biocell, Bioplastique, Fibroquel, Permacol, and Profill.

As a result of all the foregoing developments, there is remarkable interest in tissue augmentation fueled by new techniques and materials with which to improve facial contours, reduce wrinkles, and diminish signs of facial aging.

For more information contact Dr. Fathi G. Fam at North Dallas Aesthetics.
Tel   972-380-1510

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