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The Ultrasoft^tmfacial implant is persistent yet reversible (removable) facial implants for the treatment of facial soft tissue augmentation. The indications for ultrasoft include: lip fullness/definition, deep facial furrows or creases (including the nasolabial fold) and deep frown lines.

The Ultrasoft^tmimplant only recently became commercially available in July 2001.  Dr. Adams was closely involved with the development of this implant with over 2 years of clinical use.  Ultrasoft^tm was developed from  a previous redesigned Softform facial implant.  It is a hollow tube shaped implant made of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE). This product has been used for over 20 years for a variety of medical applications including the replacement of degenerating blood vessels (currently used in over 3.5 million patients), hernia repair and facial soft tissue augmentation. The redesign of this product for facial soft tissue augmentation has revolutionized its application.

The Ultrasoft^tmimplant provides structure and support beneath the skin. This can provide more fullness in the area and even raise the depressed skin level making a furrow or crease less visible.

The Ultrasoft^tmimplant is best suited for a patient desiring more lip fullness or correction of certain facial creases or furrows. You will need to be evaluated by Dr. Adams during a consultation to determine if Ultrasoft^tmis the correct product for you.

Dr. Adams is an expert in lip enhancement procedures and he will discuss the pros and cons for each product for lip enhancement with you.

Due to the recent increase in the number of patients desiring to undergo lip enhancement procedures, Dr. Adams has evaluated several of the most popular products in clinical trials to determine how they can be best implemented into plastic surgery.

The Ultrasoft^tmimplant has demonstrated excellent early results in lip enhancement and carries the added benefit of permanence (meaning the implant will not reabsorb or dissolve). Dr. Adams will review all the different types of procedures with you during your consultation; however, in general all lip enhancement procedures for lip fullness are performed in Dr. Adams’ office as a minor procedure. (See below for details.)

 Although the Ultrasoft^tm implant carries the benefit of permanence, patients should expect a 3-4 month period where the will be able to feel the implants and their lips will feel stiff and not move as natural as usual. At approximately four months enough soft tissue incorporation is present in that most patients state they are unable to feel the presence of the implant; however, still benefit from the fullness created by the implant. 

The first two weeks after the Ultrasoft^tmlip procedure are critical to obtain long term results. Dr. Adams will stress to you the extreme importance for you to be very careful with your lips during the first 2 weeks post procedure. 

It is recommended that you stay at home for the first 2-3 days after the procedure to allow most of your swelling to resolve. The first two weeks it is advised that you only eat soft foods, which may only be eaten with a fork or a spoon. Sandwiches, apples, steak, etc. may cause potential problems and should be avoided during the initial 2 weeks  . During the first week you will notice your lip stiffness will begin to resolve; however, it is important for you to continue to minimize excessive talking or laughing during this period to prevent any complications with your lip incisions or problems with the implant moving during the early post procedure period.

Dr. Adams and his staff will go over your pre-procedure routine with you including calling in medication for you to begin the night prior to your procedure. Dr. Adams prefers for patients to come in approximately 30 minutes prior to their scheduled procedure to take a dose of pain medicine and to relax before the procedure. Dr. Adams will perform several anesthetic blocks within your mouth to numb your lips. Dr. Adams feels it is very important for you to have excellent anesthesia during the procedure. Most patients find this numbing procedure is only slightly painful and once complete have no more pain for the remainder of the procedure. Following placement of your anesthesia, Dr. Adams will commence with inserting your Ultrasoft^tm implants. This takes approximately 30-45 minutes and some patients even doze off for a short nap during this portion. Dr. Adams will place tiny clear sutures in your incisions which are 5-6 mm long. Following the procedure you will place a small bag of ice over your lips and Dr. Adams prefers his patients to remain in the office approximately 30 minutes to have some liquid to drink and assure that they are feeling well.

Post procedure, most patients do not experience much pain; however, Dr. Adams will provide you with pain medicine that will treat any soreness you have over the first few days without problem. Most patients do experience a fair amount of swelling during the first 2-3 days post procedure and this usually resolves by the third day. A small amount of lip bruising may occur in isolated cases.

In general, patients find the procedure very easy to tolerate and the recovery period is generally relatively easy. Dr. Adams recommends that you remain relatively quiet during the first two days by reading and watching movies.  You may return to work 3 days after the procedure.  Dr. Adams will not want you to work out until  8  days after the procedure.

It is always important to continue to be very careful with your lips during the first two weeks to avoid any potential problems with the implant moving or problems with your incision’s healing. Dr. Adams will see you back 3-5 days after the procedure to check you and then you will return again at two weeks to have your sutures removed. Should you have any questions after your procedure, Dr. Adams is available 24 hours day, seven days a week.

Dr. Adams prefers you do not wear lipstick during the first two weeks post procedure; however, after your first visit a number of patients do use a small amount of lipstick or lip gloss over the central part of their lips between weeks 1 and 2. Following the suture removal at two weeks you may begin wearing lipstick at any time.

Most patients state that their friends can immediately have more lip fullness; however, after day three post procedure, the initial swelling of the procedure will be mostly resolved. You will have tiny sutures in your lip; however, these are not readily discernable by others unless they examine your lips closely.

All this information serves as only a general guideline; however, only a face to face consult with Dr. Adams can completely individualize your care and determine whether Ultrasoft^tmimplant if right for you.

For further questions or to schedule a consultation call 214-965-9885 or email Dr. Adams.   Dallas plastic surgeon offers plastic surgery procedures - forehead lift, browlift, breast augmentation using saline breast implants, silicone breast implants, cohesive gel breast implants, Gummy-bear breast implants,  liposuction, rhinoplasty and more to Dallas, Ft. Worth, Austin, Houston and surrounding areas.                     

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