Facial nerve paralysis - Gore-Tex Facelift (static suspension)

Considerations

Gore-Tex (ePTFE) is manufactured in 1-2 mm sheets that can be cut to size
Circumvents the need to harvest fascial material, eliminating donor site morbidity
The inferior ends are secured to the subcutaneous tissues with non-absorbable suture (Maxon)
The superior end is secured to the malar bone by rigid fixation with microplates and screws
May be used in combination with temporalis muscle transfer to lengthen the muscle slips
May be placed immediately following extirpative surgery
- However, be wary of late complications in irradiated patients
  - 2007: Immediate Gore-Tex sling suspension for management of facial paralysis in head and neck extirpative surgery