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Facial Plast Surg 2000; 16(1): 003-006
DOI: 10.1055/s-2000-12570

Copyright © 2000 Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel: + 1(212) 584-4662.

Biology and Chemistry of Facial Implants

Anthony P. Sclafani1 , Thomas Romo, III1
  • 1Division of Facial Plastic Surgery, The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, New York, NY, and Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY
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Publication History

Publication Date:
31 December 2000 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Facial implants have become increasingly more sophisticated in the past 10 to 15 years. The concept of “the ideal implant” has progressed from an inert material that interacts minimally with the host tissue to one that participates in the normal function of the tissues. A thorough understanding of their chemical properties is essential to understand the biologic events that occur around these materials after implantation. This article outlines the salient features of common materials encountered in facial implants used in plastic surgery.

KEYWORDS

silicone - Mersilene - Medpor - Gore-Tex - hydroxyapatite

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