Do you prefer silicone or ePTFE for facial implants?

Question

From what I understand, silicone implants are easier to remove if necessary, but ePTFE implants are less likely to migrate, because of tissue in-growth. Please note that my implants will not be fixed in place with either sutures or screws. Thank you.

Michael P. Morrissette, DDS, FACS · Answer

I prefer silicone for cheeks, chins, mandibular angles, and the temporal area. I rigidly fix the cheek, chin  and mandibular angle implants with mini screws to prevent migration. The nose requires more rigidity and cannot be fixated with screws so I prefer ePTFE. Silicone implants are flexible and can be placed through a very small incision. As you noted, they are easy to remove. They are also easy to customize either before of on the day of surgery.

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Chin implants are available in a variety of materials, such as silicone, elastomers, porous polyethylene, and ePTFE. Silicone is generally preferred because they are easy to customize to the ideal shape for each patient, and can also be easily removed at a later date should that be desired. However, all chin implant options are malleable and porous so that they can be held in place by soft tissue and grow into the existing bone while healing. I recommend scheduling an in-person consultation with an experienced, board-certified facial plastic surgeon. They will be able to answer any questions you may have and help you decide on the best approach for your specific goals.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

For Chin and cheek implants, we prefer silicone. The tissue ingrowth is a real problem on ePTFE implants when they have to be removed due infection

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

The biggest drawback to Medpor is the capillary and growth and difficulty in removing the implants if patients are not happy with the outcome down the road.
I suppose that’s more of a problem for the surgeon I was going to remove the implant but it’s certainly nice to be able to have an implant slip out with a very small incision and minimally invasiveness. 
I suggest focusing on finding the most skills and experience surgeon and following their recommendations.
Do that by having multiple in person consultations.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

Gerald Wittenberg, MSc, DMD (retired) · Answer

The answer often depends on 'where' you intend the implants. E-ptfe is more ideal from the nose zone downwards since it allows great integration and stability and even carving at surgery to ensure a good contour. Silastic is good for cheekbone zones in the event of infection since the tissue is thinner and more affected by infection.

Do you prefer silicone or ePTFE for facial implants?

Answers (5)

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