Use of e-PTFE in plastic surgery-a clinical review of 89 cases

Objective To investigate the indication of application of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene(Gore Tex e-PTFE Soft Tissue Patch) and prevent its complication in plastic surgery. Method From May 1997 to Oct 1999 we have performed soft tissue augmentation with different types of e-PTFE in 17 different places for 89 cases. Results Postoperative follow-up of 89 cases ranged from 1 to 24 months. Among them 76 cases acquired satisfactory and permanent results. Complications occurred in 13 cases. Main complications were e-PTFE extrusion(7cases). Conclusion e-PTFE is an inert vitreous Teflon alloplast with a high biocompatibility. It creates better results for soft tissue augmentation compared with other materials. Our longest follow-up is 24 months; further study is necessary to evaluate the long-term results and the eventual side effects of e-PTFE.