Is gortex being used in the nose safe?

Patient question:

I have heard about gortex being used in the nose, is this safe?

Dr. Solomon’s Answer:

This should not be construed as medical advice. I am a Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon. and Otolaryngologist Head and Neck Surgeon.

Gortex is a foreign body which like all foreign material implants has associated risk with its use. There is about a three percent risk of the material getting infected and requiring removal. This would generally occur soon after it was implanted. Graft material is only required in a minority of cases. Gortex is not known to cause any other major health problems. The advantage of gortex is that it is smooth and can be made into any shape and size and thickness. It can be useful to camouflage subtle deformities of the nose or augment the nasal bridge.

If a surgeon is adept at using the product its risk is kept to a minimum and can potentially help create natural appearing cosmetic enhancements to the nose. Other graft material include patients own ear cartilage or rib cartilage are also used for similar indications. Rib and ear cartilage are useful grafting materials but have the added risk of the surgery to those other areas of the body. In my practice gortex is used as well as rib and ear grafts. The choice of the graft material which seems best for each case is determined in consultation prior to surgery.