Tissue Implant for Facial Plastic Surgery

The use of an injectable implant material made of microscopic calcium particles appears effective and well tolerated by patients undergoing facial soft tissue augmentation, and patient satisfaction with treatment is high, according to an article in the July/August issue of The Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery.

All of the components of this material have been extensively used in implants and drug delivery systems, while its biocompatibility has been tested extensively in preclinical studies, say the authors of the article. They studied 90 patients, aged 25-85, who underwent soft tissue injections for lips, skin wrinkles between brows, acne scars, and surgical soft tissue defects. After six months, appearance, softness, and overall patient satisfaction were rated good or excellent in 74%, 80%, and 88% of patients, respectively.

The implant material, called Radiance, has been used in more than 5,000 patients in a number of countries but the follow-up to date has been only around three years. Thomas L. Tzikas, M.D., a surgeon in private practice in Delray Beach (FL, USA) and one of the authors suggests several questions that need to be answered. "Are there long-term adverse reactions associated with treatment? Does the implant stay soft in the face in the long term? How predictable is its use in mobile regions of the face?”

"As we gain additional experience with this promising new material, we will be better able to determine its most appropriate use and long-term safety profile,” he concludes. Radiance is the product of BioForm (Franksville, WI, USA).





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