Soft Tissue Implants
Definition
Soft tissue implants are medical devices used to replace, repair or augment soft tissues such as skin, fat, muscle or connective tissue. They can enhance facial features, reconstruct areas after trauma or surgery, or improve tissue volume and contour. These implants can be made from various materials, including synthetic polymers, biological materials or a combination of both.
Alternative names
Soft tissue grafting; Soft tissue augmentation; Tissue filler; Fat grafting
The procedure
During a soft tissue implant, doctors place tissue into areas that need more volume or a better shape. One common method is fat grafting, in which doctors harvest fat from areas such as the abdomen or thighs and inject it into another area, such as the face. This approach can also be done to cover exposed bone.
Soft tissue grafting can cause some discomfort, but surgeons use anesthesia and prescribe pain relievers to make patients more comfortable. Surgeons often take tissue from the body, but they may also use synthetic materials or donor tissue.
The procedure can vary depending on the area being treated. For example, in gum tissue grafting, a small piece of tissue from the roof of the mouth is placed onto the gums to help with recession. In facial implants, fat may be taken from one area and injected into another to add volume. Your doctor can discuss the best approach for addressing your specific problem and treatment goals.
Before the procedure
Before the procedure, you will meet with your doctor to discuss your goals, risks and benefits. You may need to:
- Avoid blood-thinning medications
- Discuss anesthesia to ensure comfort during the procedure
- Notify your doctor about current medical conditions or medications you’re taking
- Stop smoking
After the procedure
After the procedure, you may experience:
You may feel some discomfort, but your provider will prescribe pain relievers to help. Follow your provider's instructions carefully to reduce the risk of infection and support proper healing. Full recovery usually takes a few weeks.
Potential side effects
Although soft tissue implants are generally safe, there are some risks, such as:
- Allergic reactions
- Infection
- Rare cases of tissue rejection
- Scarring
- Swelling or bruising
Outlook
Most patients with soft tissue implants experience a positive outcome, including better appearance, improved function and increased confidence. Recovery times vary by procedure, but initial healing usually takes 1-2 weeks, with full recovery taking a few weeks.
This entry was written by Jennifer Cruz-Urbano, marketing specialist, and reviewed for accuracy by Bruce Mast, MD, FACS. Generative AI was leveraged as part of the content creation process.