EXPANDED POLYTETRAFLUOROETHYLENE AUGMENTATION OF THE LOWER FACE

Most options for rejuvenation of the lower face use soft-tissue filler s that augment the appropriate sites. Each of these options has associ ated risks and benefits. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recentl y approved the use of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (E-PTFE) as a s oft-tissue filler in the face. From January 1991 through December 1993 , the authors used E-PTFE soft-tissue patches for lower facial augment ation in 41 patients at 115 implant site. Postsurgical follow-up has r anged from 2.5 to 4.5 years; during this time, complications have occu rred in 4 patients. One implant had to be removed because of a seroma (1 patient), 4 implants required further secondary augmentation (2 pat ients), and 1 implant required revision because of malposition (1 pati ent). There have been no cases of implant infection, extrusion, long-t erm inflammation, or capsule formation. In this article, the authors r eview the technical aspects of E-PTFE use and discuss issues relating to the long-term efficacy of this new option for soft-tissue augmentat ion. The technique is also compared with other options for rejuvenatio n of the lower face.