Experiences with Goretex for lip augmentation?

We have removed many Gortex lip implants and implants from the nasilabial areas. Patients complained they were firm and unnatural. We replaced them with softer LiveFill (autologous fat fascial) grafts quite successfully.

Goretex is a halogenated hydrocarbon and has been associated with granulomas and similar problems. It is a foreign material in the human body and would expect an immune respose, in some people even a severe immune response. Tissue eventually grows into the implant (if of porous structure) but as intercellular signaling between cells is distorted by the implant, one would expect choatic scare tissue to form. One would logically expect the result to be highly unsatisfactory. The fact that it works for some people is a miracle, as one would logically expect poor results. Probably the best permanent way to enhance lips is on-derived fat injections, but one should expect several treatments to be potentially necessary. The same objections pertain to silicone permanent implants. Injectable silcone droplets are an extremely unsatisfactory approach from an immune response point of view and also from an aspect of granuloma formation.

I hope this explanation is of help. If you are considering Goretex lip implants, they might work for you if you are luckky, but they are more likely to give problems, resulting in a subsequent need to remove the implants with all the asociated invasive damage that will have been caused to your lips.

Kind regards

I can't believe they still do Goretex implants. Mine resulted in an infection that did not heal and was on antibiotics for 7 months. I had to keep going back to get it trimmed down and ultimately, I woke up one day with one side sticking out of my face. I was so emotionally beat down and sick of hiding out and making excuses why no one could see me that I pulled it out myself with a pair of tweezers. The infection healed two days after that. I now have a badly scarred upper lip. I should have started my comment with a disclaimer (sorry) but I discourage anyone from trying Goretex implants for the lips. This procedure should be banned.

While there are probably a lot of satisfied patients with Gortex implants, it is definitely a more risky procedure than injectables. In addition to a higher risk of an unnatural result, an infection can be a disaster with a permanent deformity from scarring inside the lip.

Do NOT get the Goretex lip implants. I had those and later had them removed! They feel and look fake, and then I purchased a book on cosmetic surgery and the book said the #1 Procedure NOT to do was Goretex lip implants! But, that IS just my experience and a book's recommendation. Surely they'd be off the market if they were terrible for everyone. That's my experience and that was years ago. I have the silicone lip implants now and really like those. Reja

I would discourage the use of Gortex in lips. Because of the firmness of the material, and the inability of it to "expand" when the patient smiles, it tends to produce a firm result with a palpable graft. I would also be very worried about patients receiving silicone injections, even microdroplets. The adverse results of silicone injections include chronic, untreatable swelling, loss of the vermilion border and deformation and occur only years later.

Because most patients choose a filler, I'm not very familiar with the lip implants. However, one of our patients had the Gortex implant done over a year ago at another facility. She seems satisfied; however, as a nurse with an aesthetic "eye", it looks quite unnatural. The only concern that I would have for you (since you indicated you are aware of this doctor's reputation and skill) is whether or not you have tried a non-permanent method first. Being that an implant is permanent, it would make sense to experiment with a technique that is not permanent first. Whatever you decide, ask to see before and after photos of actual patients of this practitioner. Good Luck. L. Haney, RN

Thank you for the reply :) Are the silicone droplets permanent? Well, here's an update on my lip. Had a 4mm strip inserted. Not a big deal. Very little pain. I was swollen for a few days and had to hide from the world. A month later, you couldn't tell I had anything done! I went back two weeks ago and had another 3mm strip inserted. So far, so fine :) Only thing, the vermillion isn't as full as I want. However, The area above the lip has more fullness than I wanted. When I press down on the part between my nose and upper lip, my lip balloons up. When I let up from pressing, my lip is JUST what I want it to be. But, it goes back down... untill I press again :/ Overall, tho, I'm happy because it looks better than it did. No infection, dissolvable stitches gone, hubby says it passes the kiss test :) Thanks again for the reply :)

Goretex is notorious for infection and inflammation. I would not do it. I have silicone microdroplets and I love the look and feel of my new lips. Good luck whatever you choose!