Patient Question:
Can you tell me about Gortex use in rhinoplasty surgery and what are the risks associated with it?
Dr. Solomon’s Answer:
Gortex implants known as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) have been used extensively in a variety of surgical procedures for years. Its use in rhinoplasty date back over 20 years. Gortex is used in rhinoplasty as an alternative to cartilage grafts. It can be used to build up areas of the nose or to camouflage areas of asymmetry or irregularity possibly resulting from prior nasal surgery or trauma.
In Rhinoplasty cases where building of the nose is required patients will be offered both cartilage grafts and gortex implants.
The advantages and disadvantages of grafts and gortex will be outlined to each patient on a case by case basis. The biggest risk of gortex use is infection or extrusion of the implant which is felt to be between one and three percent incidence.
Sep 08th 2009