Man-made substances are increasingly replacing biological substances as dermal fillers. Products such as Alloderm (trade name?), Gore-tex (trade name?), as well as the familiar silicone are viable alternatives to the aforementioned agents for smoothing wrinkles, skin furrows and defects due to infection or injury.

 

These represent `permanent' fillers, and there is the added advantage that they do not produce an allergic response as bovine collagen can. And, there is no need to make multiple incisions as in the case of fat `transplantation' with liposuction, thus reducing the opportunity for donor site problems.

 

These materials are injected or surgically inserted; therefore the risks associated with any surgical procedure should be considered. Positioning or injecting in certain areas of the face can produce a feeling of stiffness which, while not uncomfortable or painful, is noticeable to the patient. The most serious disadvantage to the use of these materials is the difficulty in removing them and the potential for permanent scarring.