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Complications associated with alloplastic implants in rhinoplasty
Andrew A Winkler1, Zachary M Soler, Paul L Leong
1Division of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, University of Colorado-Denver, Aurora, CO 80045, USA. Andrew.Winkler@UCDenver.edu
Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery
|August 29, 2012
Summary
Infection rates were higher with porous high-density polyethylene (pHDPE) implants compared to expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) implants in rhinoplasty. Caution is advised when using pHDPE for nasal reconstruction due to increased infection risk.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Biomaterials Science
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Alloplastic materials are frequently used in rhinoplasty for reconstruction and augmentation.
- Porous high-density polyethylene (pHDPE) and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) are common implant choices.
- Understanding implant-related complication rates is crucial for patient safety and surgical outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the incidence of infection and extrusion associated with pHDPE and ePTFE implants in rhinoplasty.
- To compare complication rates between different alloplastic materials used in nasal surgery.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 662 rhinoplasty procedures performed between 1999 and 2008.
- Data collection included patient demographics, comorbidities, operative details, and postoperative outcomes.
- Analysis focused on infection and extrusion rates for pHDPE and ePTFE implants.
Main Results:
- Overall postoperative infection rate was 2.8%, with all infections involving alloplastic materials.
- Infection occurred in 1 in 5 rhinoplasties using pHDPE implants.
- Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) implants alone had a 5.3% infection rate, and 12% of alloplast implants experienced exposure.
Conclusions:
- This study, the largest to date on pHDPE in rhinoplasty, shows higher infection rates than previously reported.
- Findings contrast with some prior studies on pHDPE but align with ePTFE data.
- Strong caution is recommended when considering pHDPE for rhinoplasty due to observed complication risks.
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