SoftForm implant is an innovative, hollow,
tube-shaped implant made of a soft, pliable, material,
called ePTFE (expanded polytetraflouroethylene). It is
used in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery and offers
a long term, natural-looking solution for smoothing pronounced
facial furrows such as the smile lines and noticeable
frown lines. It is also used for adding definition to
the lip borders.
SoftForm implant is not an appropriate treatment for superficial
lines. The hollow configuration was specifically designed
to promote growth of the body's natural collagen tissue
into the implant's center, therefore providing implant
stability, unlike some other implants which may drift
in position. The implant can easily be revised or removed,
if desired. |
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| What is EPTFE? |
EPTFE is a proven synthetic material with
widespread use for more than 20 years and 4 million patients
in a variety of medical applications that include artery
grafting, hernia repair, abdominal wall reinforcement,
and now for soft tissue augmentation and reconstruction
of the face. To date there have been no reported cases
of allergic reaction to it.
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| Implant Procedure |
Treatment with Softform implant consists
of a simple, office procedure performed under local anesthesia.
The doctor will insert the implant below the surface of
the skin through two small incisions. The procedure generally
requires around one hour, but the length of time will
vary depending on the number of implants used.
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| How will I look and feel following the
procedure? |
There may be some swelling or bruising
which may last for a few days following the procedure.
There also may be some altered "sensation" in the implanted
area which can last for five to seven days, and will subside
and return to feeling normal.
Treatment with SoftForm implant usually requires only
a short recovery period. Many patients return to work
in the next day or two since side effects such as swelling
or bruising can usually be camouflaged with cosmetics.
The stitch placed at each incision site is generally removed
three to five days following the procedure by the doctor.
Results are immediate. Patients will be able to determine
their actual results after the swelling is gone. |
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| How long will results last? |
The SoftForm implant material is not broken
down by the body, therefore it will remain in the area
in which it was placed permanently unless the doctor or
patient desires to revise or remove it.
As with any cosmetic procedure, some revision may be necessary,
although proper patient selection and accurate placement
of the implant will help to minimize the need for revisions
or removals. Possible reasons for revisions are the desire
to use a different size implant or to alter the placement
of the implant.
The SoftForm implant is easy for a doctor to revise or
remove. This can be done in a simple office procedure
under local anesthesia. The area from which the implant
is removed should return to its appearance prior to the
initial procedure. |
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| Can the SoftForm implant be combined
with other cosmetic medical procedures? |
The SoftForm implant is a subdermal implant
which helps to smooth pronounced furrows by providing
structure and support underneath the skin.
The Softform implants can be used with other aesthetic
procedures, including dermal fillers such as Collagen
and Restylane, which can be injected into the dermal layer
above the SoftForm implant to further reduce fine lines
and wrinkles. Laser facial resurfacing too can be used
over the SoftForm implants to further enhance the results.
It is important to note that since nothing stops the aging
process, furrows may reappear over time as the patient
ages. |
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