The use of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (Gore-Tex) in rhinoplasty. A 6-year experience.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the safety and efficacy of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (Gore-Tex soft-tissue patch, W. L. Gore & Assoc Inc, Flagstaff, Ariz) as an implant in rhinoplasty.


METHODS
A retrospective study of 137 patients who underwent rhinoplasty including augmentation with Gore-Tex over a 6-year period. A review of the medical literature concerning the use of Gore-Tex as an implant in the head and neck was also conducted.


METHODS
Two major academic medical centers and two private office surgical centers.


METHODS
One hundred thirty-seven consecutive patients who received Gore-Tex implants in the course of rhinoplasty.


METHODS
Sixty-nine patients presented for primary rhinoplasty; the remaining 68 presented for revision surgery. All received Gore-Tex nasal implants to augment the nasal dorsum and/or base. The grafts ranged from 1 to 6 mm in thickness. Follow-up ranged from 6 to 80 months, with an average of 25 months.


METHODS
Clinically noted complications and patient satisfaction.


RESULTS
Three (2.2%) of 137 grafts became infected and were removed. One graft was removed 5 months post-operatively because of excessive augmentation. None of the patients who underwent implant removal required subsequent augmentation. All 137 patients are pleased with their results.


CONCLUSIONS
Gore-Tex is a safe and effective implant material to use in primary and revision rhinoplasty when augmentation is needed and autogenous material is not available or desirable.
Godin
M S
MS
Department of Otolaryngology, Medical College of Virginia, Richmond, USA.
Waldman
S R
SR
Johnson
C M
CM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000009:adverse effects; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009666:Nose / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene / Q000009:adverse effects; D019736:Prostheses and Implants / Q000009:adverse effects; D016459:Prosthesis-Related Infections / Q000209:etiology; D012086:Reoperation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012225:Rhinoplasty / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D012449:Safety
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene