Technical name: Irradiated Human Cadaveric Preserved Fascia Lata
Brand name: Fascian
Major risks: Depending on the amount of material and the size of the needle used, the injected site can become swollen or bruised. The area may also feel thick or lumpy, though typically this softens in time. Allergic reactions are rare.
Stability: Benefits can last 6 to 12 months.
Fascian, much like Alloderm (described above), is obtained from donor tissue from dead bodies. In this case the donated material is fascia, the substance covering your muscles (and some organs) in large, thick, white sheets, keeping them compact and supported yet limber. Fascia’s unique property is that it is a firm yet pliable type of human tissue, qualities that make it adaptable for use in improving the appearance of skin. The main drawback of this procedure is its expense when compared with the length of time results remain, which is not much longer than other injectables.
(Sources: Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, November 2007, pages 8S-16S; and Facial and Plastic Surgery, May 2004, pages 149-152.)
