Dual-porosity expanded polytetrafluoroethylene soft tissue implant: a new implant for facial soft tissue augmentation.

OBJECTIVE To illustrate problems observed with low-porosity expanded polytetrafluoroethylene soft tissue implants and to describe a new dual-porosity implant, the technique for insertion, and this author's preliminary experience. METHOD A review of 175 pieces of SoftForm (Collagen Corporation, Palo Alto, Calif) placed in 69 patients over 3 years was performed. Between October 1, 1997, and September 30, 2000, 106 Advanta implants (Atrium Medical Corporation, Hudson, NH) in 42 patients have been carried out. A new instrument for implant insertion and the procedure used is described herein. RESULTS The low-porosity expanded polytetrafluoroethylene implants demonstrated a significant amount of problems with shrinkage and migration. CONCLUSIONS Preliminarily, the dual-porosity implants would appear to offer a lower incidence of these complications. They are subjectively softer to feel once in place. Insertion is quick and easy using the method described herein.