Abstract: The invention relates to the use of implantable microcapsules, or microparticles or gels produced from alginates that are crosslinked with bivalent or multivalent cations or that are uncrosslinked, for the treatment of skin defects such as e.g. wrinkles, for the treatment of gastro-oesophageal reflux, urinary incontinence and vesico-ureteral reflux.

Abstract: A method of making and using a monolithic alginate implant is described. The implant is formed by providing an uncrosslinked, highly pure and high molecular weight alginate solution and injecting the alginate solution into a patient at a predetermined site to form a gel body comprising the monolithic alginate implant. Spontaneous crosslinking of the monolithic alginate implant occurs at the predetermined site without the addition of an exogenous crosslinker. The implant may be used for treating medical conditions requiring support of sphincter musculature, reconstructive surgery, or cosmetic reconstruction, for the treatment of wrinkles on the hand, face, or décolleté, or for increasing volume, for example in the case of (HIV-induced) lipoatrophy of the breasts, and for the treatment of selected diseases, including gastrooesophageal reflux disease, urinary incontinence or vesicoureteral reflux disease.