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Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene Augmentation of the Lower Face
Author(s) -
Sherris David A.,
Larrabee Wayne F.
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
the laryngoscope
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.181
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1531-4995
pISSN - 0023-852X
DOI - 10.1097/00005537-199605000-00027
Subject(s) - seroma , medicine , soft tissue , implant , rejuvenation , surgery , food and drug administration , augment , facial rejuvenation , dentistry , complication , philosophy , environmental health , linguistics
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.