ABSTRACT
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.
KEYWORDS
Gore-Tex - expanded polytetrafluoroethylene - rhinoplasty - nasal implants