Acrylate Hydrogel Lip Implants for Customized Soft Tissue Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lip implants are hard and uncomfortable for patients, and they may contort the lips and face in undesirable ways, lacking customization to individual anatomy.
Innovation Solution
The development of lip implants made from acrylate hydrogel, which are softer and more comfortable than traditional silicone implants, along with a method for custom design and manufacturing using additive manufacturing systems that create three-dimensional models of patients' lips.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional silicone lip implants are used, then the implant provides structural support and volume, but it is hard and uncomfortable for the patient and may contort the lips and face in undesirable ways
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from traditional hard silicone to soft hydrogel, fundamentally altering the physical properties of the implant. This parameter change allows the implant to maintain structural support while eliminating hardness-related discomfort and unwanted contortion effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses hydrogel, a composite material consisting of a three-dimensional network of crosslinked polymer chains with high water content, to create an implant that combines structural integrity with softness and biocompatibility, resolving the contradiction between support and comfort.
2Volume of stationary object
If traditional lip implants are used, then volume is added to the lips, but they lack customization to individual anatomy and may contort the lips and face in undesirable ways
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by creating a 3D digital model of the patient's lips before implant fabrication, allowing customization of the implant to match individual anatomy. This preliminary digital planning enables tailored volume addition without unwanted contortion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes additive manufacturing technology to change the fabrication parameter from mass production to customized layer-by-layer construction, enabling each implant to be precisely tailored to the patient's unique lip anatomy and desired outcome.
3Quantity of substance
If lip fillers are used, then temporary volume is added to the lips, but the effect only lasts for a relatively short period of time requiring repeated injections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the duration parameter by using a permanent hydrogel implant material that provides long-lasting volume compared to temporary fillers, while the soft material properties improve comfort over the extended duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs hydrogel, a composite material with high water content and biocompatibility, to create an implant that provides sustained volume addition with improved comfort and reduced need for repeated procedures compared to traditional fillers.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The acrylate hydrogel lip implants provide improved comfort and aesthetic results by being significantly softer than silicone implants, allowing for customization to individual anatomy and enhancing the natural appearance and feel of the lips.
Implementation Method 1
curing the first layer of acrylate hydrogel using a UV light of the additive manufacturing system. The method also includes depositing a second layer of acrylate hydrogel on the first layer. The method also includes curing the second layer of acrylate hydrogel using the UV light of the additive manufacturing system
Data Source
AI summary
A lip implant for implantation into lips of a patient is provided. The lip implant includes an upper lip implant and a lower lip implant. The upper lip implant and the lower lip implant are formed of an acrylate hydrogel.