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Published on: January 26, 2024
Treatment of postsurgical temporal hollowing with high-density porous polyethylene
Alexander F Mericli1, Thomas J Gampper
1From the Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia.
Abstract:
Temporal hollowing is most frequently an acquired defect and can be caused by a volumetric deficiency of bone, soft tissue, or both. Given high-density porous polyethylene's ease of use, customizability, long-term strength and resiliency, and successful application in other areas of the craniofacial skeleton, the authors have used it as the first-line material for reconstruction of temporal hollowing. Herein, we present 4 illustrative cases demonstrating this technique and further describe subtypes of the temporal defect with appropriate means of reconstruction. The cases were reviewed for comorbidities, intraoperative details, and the postoperative course. There were no complications, and all patients were pleased with their final result. High-density porous polyethylene is a safe, well-studied, and easily handled biomaterial that is useful for the treatment of temporal hollowing.

