How can I determine what original material was used for my chin implant? Medpore or Gore-Tex?

Question

Hello, I had a chin implant placed in 2005. Occasionally, I feel some discomfort in the area. Unfortunately, as a long time has passed since the surgery, I am not able to obtain medical records and the surgeon cannot tell me whether medpor or gore-tex was used as he was using both materials for chin implants at that time. Is there any way to tell? Is this something that would be apparent if x-rayed or would it need to be seen in person (would it even be apparent then)? Thank you!

Selcuk Inanli, MD · Answer

Hello! Thank you for your question We can learn from x-ray whether there is an implant or what condition it is in, but it is not possible for us to learn which model, brand, these dates you can only learn from your surgeon ,l recommend you revision chin implant surgery,we can open the area, clean it and place a new implant depending on the situation and request.
Thank you ! regards

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Unless you plan on having the implant removed it should make no difference what it’s made out of.
Good medical practice dictates that we do not order tests unless it has an impact on the medical decision making.
I suggest you contact the facility where the procedure was performed and see if they’ve maintained medical records.
Radiographic evidence may be able to differentiate.
You’ll probably need to speak to a radiologist for the answer to your question. plastic surgeons typically don’t order radiographic work ups after chin implants so you’re gonna have a hard time getting someone to answer this based on first-hand experience.
Unless you plan on acting on the information I suggest leaving good enough alone.
Removing medpore implants can be a bit of a challenge and they are better left in place unless removing them is necessary.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

How can I determine what original material was used for my chin implant? Medpore or Gore-Tex?

Answers (2)