Wide polytef (Gore-Tex) implants in lip augmentation and nasolabial groove correction.

[OBJECTIVE] To describe a new technique of polytef (Gore-Tex) implantation into the upper and lower lips and nasolabial grooves by using large implants as a method that achieves effective cosmetic improvement.

[SETTING] A private cosmetic surgery center.

[PARTICIPANTS] Thirty-three (female) patients who desired fuller lips and 62 patients (52 female and 10 male) who requested less prominent cheek lip grooves.

[MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE] Significant patient satisfaction after 12 to 54 months.

[RESULTS] Conspicuous aesthetic effect that related to both lip and nasolabial groove correction was documented. All patients but 4 (2 in each group) were pleased with the final outcome of the treatment.

[CONCLUSIONS] In the opinion of the authors, the threading technique of polytef implantation creates inconspicuous improvement-both in lip augmentation and nasolabial groove correction. Large polytef implants that were inserted through a tunneling technique produced consistently good results. Implants (lip augmentation: width, < or = 10 mm, and thickness, 4 mm; nasolabial groove correction: width, 8 mm, and thickness, < or = 8 mm) were found to be safe, simple, and effective.