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Before |
After |
Before |
After |
Collagen & Soft ePTFE Implants
Facial wrinkles and creases begin to appear as
the underlying collagen and elastin fibers begin to break down and wear out.
While this breakdown is part of the natural aging process, it can also result
from excessive squinting, frowning and smiling.
Smoothing out the wrinkles
The two most frequently used materials for
filling facial wrinkles and frown lines are injectable collagen and implants
made from soft ePTFE or expanded polytetrafluoro-ethylene.
Collagen injections have been one of the top ten cosmetic procedures performed
in the United States since they were approved by the FDA in 1981. Injectable
collagen is a natural substance derived from purified bovine (cow) collagen and
is used to replace the collagen your skin loses over time. Injectable collagen
is placed just beneath your skin where your body accepts it as its own.
By supplementing your skin's own collagen with injectable collagen, your doctor
can smooth out wrinkles and most scars. Your doctor can also improve the
appearance of deeper frown lines and nasal labial furrows. Collagen injections
are a safe, effective, time-tested, non-surgical wrinkle treatment that provides
immediate results.
However, collagen injections aren't for everyone. A very small percentage of
patients are allergic to bovine collagen. If you are considering collagen
injections to correct the early signs of aging, you will need to have a simple
skin test prior to your treatment.
Soft ePTFE facial implants have proven to provide a safe, predictable,
non-allergic, low-risk cosmetic surgical procedure. To date, millions of facial
implants made from nontoxic ePTFE have been implanted, with no reported cases of
allergic reaction.
Soft ePTFE facial implants, which are designed specifically for use in the
deeper frown lines, nasal furrows and midfacial area, come in a wide variety of
shapes and sizes. These implants can be custom-trimmed by your surgeon for a
more natural fit. ePTFE facial implants are a safe, dermal filler designed to
recontour your face and can provide definition to your cheeks, chin and lips.
They can also be used to correct deep facial deformities. One nice feature of
ePTFE implants is that since they are not absorbed by your body, they can be
removed at a later date, if you so desire.
How are the procedures done?
Both collagen and ePTFE implants are performed on
an out-patient basis.
Collagen injections, sometimes referred to as a "lunchtime" procedure, usually
take less than twenty minutes of your time. Collagen injections are relatively
painless, because collagen contains a local anesthetic. It is injected under
your skin, beneath the wrinkle, through tiny needles. Several injections may be
required, depending on the depth and length of the wrinkle.
Soft ePTFE implantation procedures for the lips and nasal labial areas are done
under a local anesthetic. A small incision is placed at either end of the
treatment site. Then, the implant is inserted through the incision and gently
positioned. The incisions are closed with a suture. The procedure takes about
twenty to thirty minutes.
What can I expect after my collagen or ePTFE
implants?
Following collagen injections, normal activities
can be resumed immediately. Discomfort is minimal. The treatment site may have a
little swelling, which may last a few hours. There may be some slight bruising
which can be covered with make-up. Depending on the area treated, correction
usually lasts from three to six months. Allergic reactions are rare, but may
consist of prolonged redness, itching, and/or firmness at the injection site.
Patients are up and around immediately after
receiving soft ePTFE implants for the lips and nasal labial areas. Any
discomfort following the procedure can be controlled with medication. Your
sutures will be removed in three to five days. Some swelling at the treatment
site may last up to a week. There may be some bruising, which can be covered
with make-up. Most patients return to normal activities the next day. What our
patients like the most about soft ePTFE implants is that they last and don’t
have to be redone.
If you have been wondering how to get rid of your
wrinkles but aren’t ready for surgery, collagen injections or ePTFE implants may
be the answer.
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B & A photos may not be patients of the doctor featured in this web site.
Your results may differ. Copyright • 2002 • MJD Patient Communications
All rights reserved. Any reproduction in part or whole is strictly prohibited.
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