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Augmentation mentoplasty with diced high-density porous polyethylene
Ali Gürlek1, Cemal Firat, Hakan Aydogan
1Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery, T. Ozal Medical Center, Inönü University, Medical Faculty, Malatya, Turkey. agurlek@inonu.edu.tr
This study explored using diced high-density porous polyethylene (Medpor) in chin augmentation. The material was cut into small pieces and wrapped in oxidized cellulose before implantation. After surgery, external massage shaped the implant to fit the patient’s jawline. The procedure was performed in 20 patients alongside rhinoplasty, with follow-ups lasting up to 20 months. Augmentation ranged from 5 to 14 mm, and no major complications occurred except for three cases of early seromas, which were easily treated. The authors found that diced Medpor is flexible, moldable, and avoids issues seen with traditional monoblock implants. They suggest it could be a cost-effective and natural-feeling alternative for chin augmentation.
Area of Science:
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
- Dermal and Soft Tissue Engineering
Background:
Plastic surgery techniques for facial contouring have evolved with new implant materials. While monobloc implants remain popular, their limitations include rigidity and potential displacement. Diced high-density porous polyethylene has not been widely tested in chin augmentation. Surgeons seek alternatives that offer flexibility and natural integration. Current literature lacks detailed studies on diced Medpor’s performance in mentoplasty. Prior research has shown monobloc implants may lead to late displacement or unnatural texture. This gap motivated exploration of diced Medpor’s potential. The need for moldable, cost-effective materials remains unmet in this field.
Purpose Of The Study:
This study aimed to assess the viability of diced high-density porous polyethylene in chin augmentation. The specific problem addressed was the lack of flexible, moldable implant options for mentoplasty. Surgeons require materials that conform to anatomical contours and avoid displacement risks. The authors sought to evaluate Medpor’s performance in subperiosteal pockets. The motivation stemmed from monobloc implants’ limitations in flexibility and integration. The procedure involved wrapping diced Medpor in oxidized cellulose for implantation. The goal was to determine if this method could achieve desired augmentation without complications. The study focused on safety, ease of shaping, and long-term stability.
Main Methods:
The study involved 20 patients undergoing rhinoplasty with concurrent mentoplasty. A submental incision was used to create a subperiosteal pocket. Diced Medpor pieces (1 x 1.5 mm) were wrapped in oxidized cellulose before implantation. The material was placed into the pocket and shaped via external massage post-surgery. Patients were followed for 8 to 20 months with a mean of 14 months. Augmentation ranged from 5 to 14 mm in chin projection. Three patients experienced early seromas requiring aspiration. No other complications were reported during the follow-up period. The method emphasized simplicity and adaptability of the diced polyethylene material.
Main Results:
The procedure achieved successful chin augmentation in all patients. Augmentation ranged from 5 to 14 mm in projection. No late displacement or implant-related complications occurred. Early seromas were managed with simple aspiration. Postoperative shaping via massage proved effective and safe. The material’s moldability allowed adaptation to mandibular contours. Patients reported a natural feel in the reconstructed area. The technique demonstrated cost-effectiveness and ease of use.
Conclusions:
The authors found diced Medpor suitable for mentoplasty based on their observations. The material’s flexibility and moldability met procedural needs. External massage allowed postoperative shaping without complications. The absence of late displacement supported its stability. The natural feel of the reconstructed area was a key advantage. The cost-effectiveness and ease of insertion were additional benefits. The study suggests this method may be preferable to monobloc implants. The findings propose that diced Medpor could be a viable alternative in chin augmentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
The material achieved 5–14 mm of chin projection with no late displacement, and allowed postoperative shaping via massage.
Oxidized cellulose (Surgicel) was used to wrap diced Medpor pieces during implantation to facilitate placement in the subperiosteal pocket.
External massage was used to shape the diced Medpor material postoperatively, allowing it to conform to the mandibular contour.
Three patients developed early seromas, which were resolved through syringe aspiration without further complications.
Augmentation was measured in millimeters of chin projection, ranging from 5 to 14 mm across patients.
The authors proposed that diced Medpor avoids monobloc implant drawbacks like rigidity and late displacement, while allowing fibrous tissue ingrowth and natural feel.
