Who is still using expanded polytetrafluoroethylene?
BACKGROUND
Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) is a permanent, solid implant that has been used for facial soft tissue augmentation. The implants are generally used in the lower third of the face for filling lips, nasolabial folds, and deeper facial lines. Many physicians have noted complications with this use.


OBJECTIVE
To determine physician satisfaction trends for ePTFE. METHODS. A physician satisfaction survey was sent out in February 2000. Information regarding perceived patient and physician satisfaction regarding favored sites for the use of augmentation with ePTFE, the quantity used, and revision rates was assessed. A second survey was mailed in July 2003 to the same physicians to gain information regarding long-term satisfaction with ePTFE.


RESULTS
The results from the first survey revealed that 10 of 12 physicians perceived that their patients were satisfied with ePTFE implants in all locations with the exception of the lips. There was a wide variation in the number of cases of ePTFE performed per year among the different physicians. Reported revision rates varied from less than 1 to 100% in the lips. The majority of the physicians found that removal of the implant was easy. The results from the second survey in 2003 revealed that 100% of the physicians were disappointed with these products. Physicians' assessments of their patients' satisfaction revealed that one-third were mildly disappointed and two-thirds were satisfied. Revision rates in all cases were increased between the first and second survey. A subjective patient satisfaction survey was not done during either of these time periods.


CONCLUSIONS
New procedures are often quickly embraced by both physicians and patients. It is crucial that we reevaluate and report long-term experience and satisfaction. Although this informal survey has limitations, it appears that some physicians are less satisfied with ePTFE as a soft tissue implant. Larger studies including objective measurements delineating the degree of improvement and subjective patient satisfaction would be welcomed.
Cox
Sue Ellen
SE
Department of Dermatology, University of North Carolina, and Aesthetic Solutions, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27517, USA. sec@aesthetic-solutions.com
D003357:Cosmetic Techniques; D005145:Face; D006801:Humans; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States
D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene