The ideal tissue implant for soft tissue aug-mentation should be safe, effective, durable and easy to use. Cosmetic uses would include treatment of scars, wrinkles, expression lines and lip enlargement.

Bioform Inc. has developed, tested and proven such a product. "Radiance", already approved by the FDA for vocal cord implan-ation , contains synthetic calcium hydroxy lapetite, or CaHA. This is identical in composition to the mineral portion of human bones. CaHA has been used for decades by numerous medical specialties.

A thorough safety assessment was conducted on the Bioform implant product, and to date no reaction from or rejection of the implant has been observed. Radiance is currently in the final stages of FDA approval for cosmetic use.

The implant consists of CaHA particles suspended in a gel carrier. This gel is gradually absorbed and replaced by natural tissue structure forming a long lasting implant. The implant is very similar in structure to the surrounding tissue making it soft and flexible.

There is no human or animal tissue used,assuring that no disease can be transmitted. Because the implant is so compatible with human tissue, no skin testing is needed. A three-year implant study in animals showed no evidence of particle migration.

The main cosmetic uses of Radiance are for lip enlargement, treatment of expression lines such as nasolabial fold, marionette lines, f rown lines and lip lines. Depressed scars from trauma, surgery, or acne can be filled resulting in a natural, undetectable implant that will last years.

Because precise tissue placement is needed, Radiance is injected after the administration of a local anesthetic. Mild swelling and bruising may occur, but they rarely last more than 48 hours. Local application of ice will reduce this. If very little upper lip is visible, injections can be performed inside the upper lip. This actually turns out the lip giving it a fuller, more luscious appearance. Rarely a small lump can result, but a local injection of kenalog will usually easily dissolve this.

During your consultation it will be determined whether you are a candidate and a treatment plan will be developed. For more information go to ginsburgderm.com and bioforminc.com.