Facial Augmentation using Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene Covered Silicone
Sami Pierre Moubayed, Chayada Chanasriyotin, Sam P. Most · Facial Plastic Surgery · 2017
Two commonly used implant materials for aesthetic facial augmentation[ 1 ] are solid silicone (silastic) and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE; Gore-Tex, W. L. Gore and Associates, Flagstaff, AZ). The main shortcomings of silicone are capsular formation and implant visibility ([ Fig. 1 ]).[ 2 ] EPTFE implants have micropores on the surface that allow for tissue ingrowth, stabilization, and avoidance of a capsule.[ 2 ] However, these have the potential for long-term deformation due to shrinkage.[ 2 ] The rationale for the composite implant is that it offers the benefits of silicone (maintenance of form, natural feel) with the biocompatibility of ePTFE coating as a biological interface. In this letter, we aim to examine our indications and outcomes with this material. Fig. 1 Dorsal nasal silicone implant showing peripheral calcification. Sagittal section of a computed tomography scan of the sinuses in a patient having undergone dorsal nasal augmentation with a silicone implant 20 years ago showing a calcified capsule surrounding the implant (white arrows).