A new ePTFE soft tissue implant for natural-looking augmentation of lips and wrinkles.

BACKGROUND

Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) implants have been used for augmentation of thinning lips and wrinkles due to aging for more than 10 years. The aesthetic results have often been excellent, but complications such as infection, extrusion, migration, shrinkage, and hardening have occurred in some patients.

OBJECTIVE

To assess short-term results and complications in patients undergoing augmentation of the lips, nasolabial folds, and marionette lines with a newly designed ePTFE implant.

METHODS

Thirty patients received 60 Advanta ePTFE implants for augmentation of the lips, nasolabial folds, or marionette lines.

RESULTS

All patients received a natural-looking augmentation following 3-4 days of noticeable swelling. The only significant complications involved two upper lip implants that were removed for suspected infection.

CONCLUSION

In a preliminary series, Advanta ePTFE implants provided effective, natural-looking augmentation of the lips and nasolabial folds with minimal complications.