Biocompatibility of microparticles into soft tissue fillers

The increasing need for long-lasting injectable soft tissue fillers for the treatment of wrinkles and folds requires a critical discussion of the biocompatibility on a scientific background. Since biological fillers made of collagen and hyaluronic acid will be resorbed overtime, copolymer biomaterials with microparticles have been developed in recent years. The microparticles followed special and essential demands because of the interaction with the tissue. In search of an ideal soft tissue filler substance, a variety of biomaterials with microparticles suspended have been created for injecting into dermal defects, into the urethra of patients with urinary incontinence, and in patients with vocal cord insufficiency. The particles differ in chemical composition, surface structure, surface charge, and particle size and evoke different host reactions, accordingly. (C) 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.