RESUMO
Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy of China-made expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) in the treatment of facial defects and hollow deformities on the face. Methods Facial augmentation was performed in different sites as the forehead, temple, nose, chin, nosal base and maxilla, respectively, to correct the facial defects and hollow deformities, by using either China-made ePTFE (Experimental Group) or imported ePTFE (Control Group). Postoperative parameters between the two groups were compared. Results The Experimental Group included 16 patients (18 sites), in whom the postoperative follow-up was conducted for 6~9 months. In this group, a secondary infection (in the nose) occurred in 1 patient because the implant was placed too superficially and too close proximity to the incision, and the implant was removed out. Delayed healing of the incision (in the chin) with uncovered implant was found in 1 patient, who was cured by the change of dressing. In the rest of the patients, no obvious allergic, inflammatory or rejection reaction was seen and a good cosmetic result was achieved. The satisfactory rate of this group was 94.4%(17/18). The Control Group included 10 patients (20 sites). The implant was found bared and then removed in 1 patient (in the nose). The satisfactory rate of this group was 91.7%(11/12). There were no statistical differences between the two groups in the wound healing ( ? 2 =1 109, P =0 574), the adverse reaction ( P =1 000), and the clinical efficacy ( P =1 000). Conclusions China-made ePTFE gives histocompatibility as good as imported one. It is suitable for filling the soft tissue and can be used as a safe and economical alternative.
