Wide polytef (Gore-Tex) implants in lip augmentation and nasolabial groove correction.

OBJECTIVE

To describe a new technique of polytef (Gore-Tex) implantation into the upper and lower lips and nasolabial grooves by using large implants as a method that achieves effective cosmetic improvement.

SETTING

A private cosmetic surgery center.

PARTICIPANTS

Thirty-three (female) patients who desired fuller lips and 62 patients (52 female and 10 male) who requested less prominent cheek lip grooves.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Significant patient satisfaction after 12 to 54 months.

RESULTS

Conspicuous aesthetic effect that related to both lip and nasolabial groove correction was documented. All patients but 4 (2 in each group) were pleased with the final outcome of the treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

In the opinion of the authors, the threading technique of polytef implantation creates inconspicuous improvement-both in lip augmentation and nasolabial groove correction. Large polytef implants that were inserted through a tunneling technique produced consistently good results. Implants (lip augmentation: width, < or = 10 mm, and thickness, 4 mm; nasolabial groove correction: width, 8 mm, and thickness, < or = 8 mm) were found to be safe, simple, and effective.