Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene implants in rhinoplasty: literature review, operative techniques, and outcome

Gore-Tex, a form of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), over the past 30 years has attracted much attention as an alloplast for use in rhinoplasty, both from advocates and opponents of its use. It has many desirable traits as an alloplast implant, but many surgeons harbor hesitation and reluctance for alloplast use in rhinoplasty based on historical data of previous nasal implants. Only when objective data from large series of patients with long-term follow-up become available will such skepticism be resolved. Large series of patients with Gore-Tex implant placement during rhinoplasty are beginning to emerge in the literature. The purpose of this article is twofold. The first is to provide the reader with an up-to-date review of the literature on the host response to polymer implants and, second, of the current indications and operative techniques for use and outcomes of Gore-Tex implants in rhinoplasty.