Histological study of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (Gore-Tex) implanted in the human nose

In rhinoplasty, various materials are used for nasal augmentation. Among these, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (Gore-Tex) is commonly used because of its supposed high biocompatibility. However, most studies regarding histological changes associated with its implantation have been carried out in animal models, and very few data are available from long-term human studies. We used light and electron microscopy to investigate the histological changes associated with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene in nasal augmentation in 30 patients. Histologically, connective tissue ingrowth was observed in all specimens. However, the degree of foreign body reaction and collagen deposition varied from specimen to specimen and had no apparent relationship with duration. Neovascularization was observed in specimens with durations longer than 12 months, and degenerative calcification was observed in a 36-month-duration specimen. Unlike the findings in previous reports, differences among individual responses, degenerative changes, and partially calcified lesions were observed in the expanded polytetrafluoroethylene. Based on this study, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene is a biocompatible material, but further long-term studies are necessary to address histological changes associated with the implantation of the material in the human nose.