The Use of Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene in Short Nose Elongation: Fourteen Years of Clinical Experience

Background Short nose elongation is a relatively common rhinoplasty procedure, especially in Asia. The selection of the adequate graft material is challenging. Previous reports have described the application of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) for dorsal augmentation rhinoplasty, but studies using ePTFE for nose elongation are lacking. We propose ePTFE as an alternative treatment for short noses, describe the technique, and discuss outcomes, patient selection, and complications based on our 14-year experience. Methods From February 2003 to December 2016, 206 patients with varying degrees of short noses were included in this retrospective study. All patients underwent nose elongation surgery using an ePTFE implant. Nasal lengths before and after surgery were measured using a 3-dimensional simulation technology. Outcomes and complications including possible underlying reasons were analyzed. Patient satisfaction was evaluated using a self-assessment survey. Results Nasal elongation was successfully achieved using ePTFE. Mean increase in nasal length was 4.36 ± 0.85 mm. The mean follow-up period was 13.3 months, ranging from 6 months to 8 years. Follow-up examinations demonstrated stable results. The overall complication rate was 6.8%. Complications included infection, implant extrusion, migration, deviation, visibility, and/or prominence, tissue reaction, and reddening of the nasal skin. Most patients (93.6%) rated their outcome as improved and much improved. Conclusions Nasal elongation using ePTFE implantation is a feasible therapeutic approach for patients with short noses. Reliable outcomes and the absence of donor site morbidity contribute to the high patient acceptance. Meticulous surgical technique and careful patient selection are prerequisites for successful results.