title: Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene augmentation of the lower face.
abstract: Most options for rejuvenation of the lower face use soft-tissue fillers that augment the appropriate sites. Each of these options has associated risks and benefits. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently approved the use of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (E-PTFE) as a soft-tissue filler in the face. From January 1991 through December 1993, the authors used E-PTFE soft-tissue patches for lower facial augmentation in 41 patients at 115 implant sites. Postsurgical follow-up has ranged from 2.5 to 4.5 years; during this time, complications have occurred in 4 patients. One implant had to be removed because of a seroma (1 patient), 4 implants required further secondary augmentation (2 patients), and 1 implant required revision because of malposition (1 patient). There have been no cases of implant infection, extrusion, long-term inflammation, or capsule formation. In this article, the authors review the technical aspects of E-PTFE use and discuss issues relating to the long-term efficacy of this new option for soft-tissue augmentation. The technique is also compared with other options for rejuvenation of the lower face.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Sherris
authors.forename: W F
authors.initials: WF
authors.lastname: Larrabee
mesh_terms: D005145:Face / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008046:Lip / Q000601:surgery; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D013518:Surgery, Plastic / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene