Synthetic soft tissue substitutes: 2001

The human face ages in a predictable fashion. Well-described changes in the lip and perioral region include progressive deepening of the nasolabial folds and atrophy of the lips. Conventional face lifting and endoscopic and resurfacing techniques do not adequately address many of these changes. As such, soft tissue filler materials are often used. This article outlines the history of soft tissue augmentation and discusses the risks and benefits of current synthetic materials.