SOFTFORM

What is SoftForm?

SoftForm implant is an innovative, hollow, tube-shaped implant made of a soft, pliable, synthetic material called ePTFE (expanded polytetrafluoroethylene). It is used in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery and offers a long-lasting, natural-looking solution for smoothing pronounced facial furrows and adding definition to the lip border.

Safety and Biocompatibility

EPTFE is a proven synthetic material with widespread use for more than 20 years in a variety of medical applications that includes the replacement of deteriorated blood vessels in several million people, hernia repair, abdominal wall reinforcement and now for soft tissue augmentation and reconstruction of the face. There have been no reported cases of an allergic reaction to ePTFE.

What are the appropriate treatment areas for the SoftForm implant?

SoftForm implant is used in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery including the treatment of pronounced facial furrows such as the creases between the nose and corners of the mouth and noticeable frown lines; SoftForm implant also adds definition to the lip border.

What are the advantages of SoftForm implant's hollow tube design?

The hollow configuration was specifically designed to promote in-growth of the body's natural fibrous tissue into the implant's centre therefore providing implant stability. The implant can easily be revised or removed, if desired.

The Procedure

Treatment with SoftForm implant consists of a simple office procedure performed under local anaesthesia. Dr. Bohannan will insert the implant below the surface of the skin through two small incisions. The procedure generally takes less than half an hour.

What should I expect?

Each person's experience with the procedure may differ, therefore, it is important to discuss the procedure with Dr. Bohannan.

Immediately following the treatment

Treatment results are visible immediately. Minor swelling, bruising or discomfort may occur and may last for a few days. A stitch is placed in each incision site and is generally removed 3-5 days following the procedure. Many patients return to normal activities the day after treatment.

Up to 1 week following treatment

Many people will not be able to tell that a procedure has been done. Although you may always be able to feel the implant under your skin, softening of the implant is anticipated over time.

3-4 months following treatment

Healing is complete. Continuing softening of the implant is anticipated.

How long is recovery/down time?

Treatment with SoftForm implant usually requires only a short recovery period. Many patients return to work the next day since side effects such as swelling or minor bruising can usually be camouflaged with cosmetics.

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 unless the doctor or patient desires to revise or remove it. In some instances, as the face ages, the implant will appear to have drifted and may need to be removed.