Contura's LTF and the ageing process

The ageing process of the skin represents a combination of gravity effect and a skin atrophy itself. Skin becomes thinner and loses its elasticity. Subcutaneous tissue flattens. Therefore attempts have been made to restore the volume and increase tissue elasticity. A large amount of different substances are currently used as volume fillers. Contura's LTF is used as a fat substitute. Once injected Contura's LTF becomes a stable part in the soft tissue. When palpating, Contura's LTF feels soft and elastic like normal tissue.

Contura's LTF gel has been used for aesthetic and reconstructive surgery for more than ten years. Thousands of patients have been injected with the gel for various indications. Retrospective studies on patients having gel injected for 1-9 years showed no concerns with respect to product safety as well as aesthetic result. Histology samples taken from patients 1-9 years after gel injection reveal a high biocompatibility of the product. The gel induces only very mild foreign body reaction with no strong fibrous reaction or calcifications common for other implants. There is no difference between tissue reactions over many years.

With ageing Contura's LTF will follow the tissue movements, which could be more visible in lower parts of the face like mentolabial folds. This movement may change the aesthetic result and therefore additional injections may be necessary. It has to be remembered that Contura's LTF is not a substitute for a face-lift, since it only cures effects of gravity. Nevertheless, Contura's LTF can be used as a supplement to achieve "volumetric face lift". Contura's LTF is elastic filler consisting mostly of water. In contrast to a number of various implants, Contura's LTF does not interfere with a natural growth/movement of the tissue. Thus, Contrua's LTF implants are successfully used in children since the gel can follow the tissue growth and therefore does not cause asymmetry of the face.

Ieva Ankorina-Stark PhD
Medical Adviser
Contura International SA


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