Implants of Supramid, Proplast, Plasti-Pore, and Silastic

Four types of synthetic materials were implanted in 54 rabbits: Supramid, Proplast, Plasti-Pore, and Silastic. Each material was implanted into the auricle and concomitantly into the subdermis of the face. Postoperative assessment was every one to three days, while killing was done at six weeks, six months, and one year postoperatively for microscopic evaluation. Supramid mesh contains black pigment, which became incorporated within the histiocytes and giant cells around the implanted mesh by six weeks; at one year, the soft tissues were pigmented microscopically. Proplast was not extruded despite an intense and persistent histiocytic and giant-cell reaction; its black color constituted a major drawback for implantation beneath thin skin. The Plasti-Pore used in these studies was rigid and somewhat difficult to sculpture, and it induced a persistent but minor cellular reaction. Silastic was easily displaced.