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Soft tissue augmentation has been fiercely sought after by reconstructive surgeons with multiple failed attempts. Fat transplantation suffers an irregular absorption rate approaching 80%. Injected collagen must be repeated twice annually and implanted man-made materials suffer problems of migration or extrusion.

Soft form was developed by a colleague of Dr. Rich while working in St. Louis, Missourri. Dr. Corey Moss utilized Gortex, a soft spongy material that has been used safely in the body for over two decades. This material seemed perfect for soft tissue filling as it provided no signs of rejection. However, it had little ability to anchor itself underneath the skin. This was solved by creating thin, hollow tubes about the size of spaghetti to allow the body's own tissues to grow through the hollow tube, thereby anchoring it.

Dramatic results have been seen in hundreds of patients thus far, enhancing thinning or weak lips and filling deep facial folds along the cheek and lip groove. This is performed under a local anesthetic in the doctor's office. The patient is able to drive immediately home and resume their normal activities. A moderate amount of swelling and possible bruising should be resolved within four to seven days. The implant is completely removable. To date, there have been no side effects attributed to Gortex or soft form.

Dr. Rich has been selected to train dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and facial plastic surgeons in the proper use of Gortex. After its introduction to the Unites States in September, he conducted a training session in Charlotte for nearly forty surgeons as part of a nation wide training program.