Bone resorption after alloplastic augmentation of the mandible

Augmentation mentoplasty is a commonly performed operation especially in conjunction with rhinoplasty. While various materials have previously been used for this procedure, silastic has been the implant of choice for the last three decades. Concerns have been raised due to the occurrence of bone resorption beneath these implants. Controversy prevails as to the cause and the long-term effects of the resorption. It has been suggested by some that the resorption is self-limiting although this has not been confirmed in clinical studies. In total, 40 patients with silastic implants, who had a mean follow-up of 20 months (8-60 months), were studied radiologically. In 21 of them (52%), a degree of resorption from 0.5 to 2 mm was observed. Spearman's rank correlation showed a statistically significant relationship between the degree of resorption and the time lapse since surgery (P = 0.048).