Early studies suggest that the Fibrel gelatin-matrix implant may last longer than Zyderm or Zyplast, however, we have found that it lasts no longer than Zyplast, 6 to 9 months. When injected into a pitted scar, approximately 80% of it is still present after one year. Its disappearance and migration is faster in wrinkles because of the additional muscle movement.

The new kids on the block, Hylaform and Restylane, promise to last longer than the other implant materials, but this has yet to be confirmed through regular use and reporting.

The staying power of microlipid transfers (moving fat from one spot to another) is extremely variable depending largely on whether or not the fat "takes", that is,

actually develops its own sustaining blood supply in the new site. Some reports suggest that they seem to metabolize much faster than other organic agents, and other reports indicate that they either entirely disappear or remain permanently.Since the inorganic implants (Artecolle, silicone, Gore-Tex and SoftForm) are not metabolized, no touch ups are required. If they are not properly injected or inserted or if they migrate out of place due to gravity or muscle pull, they will not be absorbed with time and will be permanently displaced. In these instances Gore-Tex and SoftForm can be removed, Artecoll and silicone cannot.

Can the implants be used in other ways?
The signs of aging around the mouth are cosmetically annoying to many women. Soft tissue implants are used to add definition to the fading borders of the lips and to soften the fine lines around the mouth. The implant material is injected or inserted along the vermilion borders of the upper and lower lips and into any deep furrows extending out from the lip. Women delight in the fact that their lipstick no longer bleeds into the wrinkles around their mouth. An alternate solution is laser resurfacing, which permanently reduces the wrinkles around the mouth.