A new ePTFE soft tissue implant for natural-looking augmentation of lips and wrinkles.
BACKGROUND
Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) implants have been used for augmentation of thinning lips and wrinkles due to aging for more than 10 years. The aesthetic results have often been excellent, but complications such as infection, extrusion, migration, shrinkage, and hardening have occurred in some patients.


OBJECTIVE
To assess short-term results and complications in patients undergoing augmentation of the lips, nasolabial folds, and marionette lines with a newly designed ePTFE implant.


METHODS
Thirty patients received 60 Advanta ePTFE implants for augmentation of the lips, nasolabial folds, or marionette lines.


RESULTS
All patients received a natural-looking augmentation following 3-4 days of noticeable swelling. The only significant complications involved two upper lip implants that were removed for suspected infection.


CONCLUSIONS
In a preliminary series, Advanta ePTFE implants provided effective, natural-looking augmentation of the lips and nasolabial folds with minimal complications.
Hanke
C William
CW
Laser and Skin Surgery Center of Indiana, Carmel, Indiana 46032, USA. cwmhanke@tcon.net
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005145:Face / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008046:Lip / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D015361:Rhytidoplasty / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene