A-Z page index
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N
O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Translate DermNet NZ
Buy skin care products
|
Search for books
Polyethylene implants
What are polyethylene implants?
Polyethylene implants are porous synthetic polymers that are biologically inert and non-biodegradable in the body. MEDPOR® Biomaterial Implants are a brand of high density polyethylene (HDPE) solid implants that have been used by plastic surgeons since 1985 in facial augmentation, either for reconstructive or cosmetic purposes. Its porosity allows for soft tissue and vascular ingrowth, which helps in keeping the implant in place. Mesh forms of HDPE include Prolene® and Marlex®.
Where can polyethylene implants be used?
Polyethylene implants are used in chin, cheek and jaw line reconstruction. The material can be carved or contoured to fit a particular 3-D space. It is also widely used for facial repair following accidents and for correction of congenital defects.
Am I suitable for polyethylene implants?
Most people tolerate polyethylene implants very well. It is a non-toxic polymer that the body does not recognize so rejection
is very rare.
How are polyethylene implants inserted?
The procedure is carried out at your doctor's rooms. The length of time will depend on what corrections are being made but usually take up to about 1 hour.
| Procedure for polyethylene implantation |
|
How long do polyethylene implants last?
Polyethylene implants are considered permanent. They can be removed, although with more difficulty than implants such as silicone, which do not allow for tissue integration to occur.
Are there any side effects from polyethylene implants?
Implants are usually well tolerated. You can expect some discomfort directly after the implantation. There may be some swelling, aching, and numbness but these usually resolve after a week or so.
The following complication may rarely occur:
- Infection of the implant site
- Extrusion (part of the implant comes through the skin)
- Induration (hardening of the area operated on)
- Seroma (dense pocket of fluid below the skin)
- Inadequate healing
- Overcorrection or undercorrection
Related information
On DermNet NZ:
- Facial rejuvenation
- Facial lines and wrinkles
- Facial implants
- Collagen replacement therapy
- Fat grafting
- Hyaluronic acid implants
- Polytetrafluoroethylene implants
- Hydrophilic polyacrylamide gel
- Silicone implants
- Hydroxyapatite implants
- Polymethyl-methacrylate (PMMA) implants
Other websites:
emedicine, the online textbook