Outcomes and Satisfaction of Chin Augmentation With Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) Implants: A 12-Month Retrospective Study.

AIM: To evaluate the aesthetic outcomes, patient satisfaction, and safety of chin augmentation using expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) implants over 12 months.

METHODS

Of 152 patients who underwent intraoral ePTFE chin augmentation, 105 with complete 12-month follow-up were analyzed (85 women, 20 men; mean age 29.3 years; all with isolated microgenia and Angle Class I occlusion). The labiomental angle, chin projection, FACE-Q satisfaction score, and complications were assessed preoperatively and at 3, 6, and 12 months. Anthropometric variables were compared with the paired t test and FACE-Q scores with the Wilcoxon signed-rank test (STROBE-compliant).

RESULTS

The labiomental angle decreased from 149.41±2.20 degrees to 130.92±2.51 degrees at 6 months (P<0.001) and was stable at 12 months. Chin projection improved from -3.78±0.61 mm to -0.82±0.53 mm (P<0.001), remaining stable. The FACE-Q satisfaction score improved from a preoperative median of 59 (interquartile range 55-65) to 88 (81-94) at 6 months (P<0.001) and was maintained at 12 months. Complications occurred in 14.3% (15/105), all minor and self-limiting (prolonged edema, transient lower-lip hypoaesthesia, and mild asymmetry); no infection, implant extrusion, or revision occurred.

CONCLUSION

In this uncontrolled retrospective series, intraoral ePTFE chin augmentation was associated with significant, stable anthropometric improvement and a significant increase in patient satisfaction from baseline, with a low rate of minor complications. The absence of a control group precludes conclusions of superiority over other materials or techniques; comparative studies are warranted.