Gore-Tex Implants in Facial Surgery.

In the last nine years, we have inserted 357 Gore-Tex implants in 154 patients for purely aesthetic reasons in order to attenuate depressions or enhance poorly developed or atrophied structures as a result of age. Results are different from one area to another, but are very worthwhile for improving crows’ feet, in manolabial-depression, in molar filling, and in lip augmentation. As a synthetic, open mesh fabric in which fibrous tissue can grow, Gore-Tex is available in 1 and 2 mm sheets which may be cut as desired. Complications requiring removal are exceptions, more often being due to implant malposition rather than the result of infection which is a complication inherent to all foreign bodies, whatever their origin. Whether done as an open or closed technique, it has the advantage of being completely reversible if needed.