How Difficult Are GoreTex Facial Implants To Remove?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I have facial implants that goes around my entire jawline, cheek and paranasal implants, Goretex material. I thought this would fix my problem but turns out orthognathic surgery (Bimax) is what I should have done.

I have now consulted with a maxillofacial surgeon and he said that it was best was to remove all the implants and around 6 months later do the bimaxillary surgery.

The reason is because he can’t give an accurate image of what I would look like with the implants in my face. He has not removed Gore Tex material before but has worked with Medpor.

My question is, what are the risks and complications of removing goretex implants and especially by some who has not done it before with that material?

A: Removing ePTFE implants is very similar to that of Medpor. There will just be a lot more of them in your face.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana