Soft tissue augmentation is a medical procedure that adds volume, fills depressions, or improves contours in various parts of the body. It restores or enhances appearance and function where soft tissue has been lost or is naturally deficient. This process involves strategically placing various substances beneath the skin’s surface to achieve a more harmonious aesthetic or correct structural irregularities.
What is Soft Tissue Augmentation?
Soft tissue augmentation involves injecting or transplanting materials into or beneath the skin to add volume and reshape contours. This technique addresses concerns like visible signs of aging, including wrinkles and volume loss, as well as scars and areas of asymmetry. The procedure replenishes lost soft tissue, which can occur due to aging, trauma, or certain medical conditions, restoring a smoother and more balanced appearance. It is applied for both aesthetic improvements and reconstructive purposes.
Common Applications
Soft tissue augmentation is used across different areas of the body for both cosmetic and reconstructive reasons. In cosmetic applications, it frequently targets facial areas to combat signs of aging or enhance natural features.
For instance, it can add volume to the lips, redefine cheek contours, smooth out nasolabial folds (lines from the nose to the mouth) and marionette lines (lines from the corners of the mouth downwards), and reduce the appearance of under-eye hollows. It also helps in refining jawline definition and rejuvenating the appearance of hands by addressing volume loss.
Beyond aesthetics, soft tissue augmentation plays a role in reconstructive procedures. It is employed to fill in depressions resulting from trauma, surgical interventions, or conditions like severe acne scars. For example, it can address defects in soft tissue volume around dental implants, improving both aesthetic outcomes and the long-term stability of the implant.
Types of Augmentation Materials
A variety of materials are used for soft tissue augmentation, each with distinct properties regarding origin, composition, and longevity. Dermal fillers are a significant category, offering different durations of effect. These substances are injected directly into the skin to add volume or smooth wrinkles.
Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Fillers
HA fillers are among the most common, known for being temporary and naturally occurring in the body. They are biodegradable and, if needed, can be dissolved with an enzyme called hyaluronidase. These fillers offer different levels of thickness and suitability for specific areas, such as fine lines or deeper volume enhancement.
Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) Fillers
CaHA fillers provide a semi-permanent effect, often lasting 18 months or longer. They work by stimulating the body’s natural collagen production.
Poly-L-lactic Acid (PLLA) Fillers
PLLA fillers also stimulate collagen synthesis over time, leading to gradual and longer-lasting results. They have been used in medical devices for over 30 years.
Autologous Fat Transfer
Also known as fat grafting, this involves harvesting a patient’s own fat from one area, such as the thighs or abdomen, and re-injecting it into another area requiring volume. This method uses the body’s own tissue, making it a natural and potentially long-lasting option. While offering natural results, the viability of transferred fat can vary, and some resorption may occur.
The Procedure and Recovery
A soft tissue augmentation procedure begins with an initial consultation where the patient discusses their cosmetic concerns and goals with a qualified medical professional. Before injections, the treatment area is prepared with a numbing cream or local anesthetic to minimize discomfort. The chosen augmentation material is then carefully injected into the targeted areas using fine needles or cannulas to achieve the desired volume or contour.
Following the procedure, patients can expect common and temporary side effects. These often include swelling, bruising, redness, and tenderness at the injection sites. Downtime is minimal, allowing many individuals to resume normal activities within a day or two, though strenuous activity may need to be limited for a few days. These effects subside within a few days to a week.
Important Considerations
When considering soft tissue augmentation, understanding the expected results and their longevity is important. The duration of results varies significantly based on the type of material used. For instance, hyaluronic acid fillers last between 6 to 12 months, while materials like calcium hydroxylapatite and poly-L-lactic acid can last 18 months or longer due to their collagen-stimulating properties. Autologous fat transfer can offer long-lasting results, but initial fat survival rates can be variable.
Patients should be aware of potential risks and side effects, although serious complications are uncommon. Less common but more serious risks can include infection, allergic reactions, or vascular occlusion, which is a rare but severe complication. Selecting a board-certified dermatologist, plastic surgeon, or other experienced medical professional is important to minimize risks and ensure proper technique. Costs for soft tissue augmentation vary depending on the specific material used, the amount required, and the practitioner’s fees.