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.