Porous Polyethylene Implants for Nasal Reconstruction: Clinical and Histologic Studies

Abstract.

This paper describes a technique of using Medpor porous high-density polyethylene implants for nasal reconstruction and chin augmentation. This biocompatible material has been used successfully during the last decade for various applications in the reconstruction of the facial skeleton. Among its most frequent uses are repair of the orbital floor and reconstruction of the burned ear, which became standard methods at many centers. Relatively little experience is, at present, on hand concerning the use of porous polyethylene in reconstruction of the nasal framework. Twenty-three consecutive, difficult nasal reconstructions were performed using this method since 1996. Patients were followed up for from 1 to 3 years (mean, 2 years). The results were durable and stable over the time. Eight patients had saddle nose deformity and 15 had catastrophe noses, mostly referrals, previously operated on from one to four times. My aesthetic goals were correction of the depressed nasal dorsum, creation of an acceptable nasal dorsum in the thick and/or twisted noses, and tip elevation. For nasal applications Medpor is available as a strut or sheet. Its body, once implanted, becomes rapidly vascularized and both soft tissue ingrowth and collagen deposition occur. This was confirmed by the microscopic investigation of biopsies. One patient of Vietnamese origin had an aesthetically pleasing result, but her family refused to accept her westernized nose. This gave me a unique opportunity to study the whole Medpor implant 6 months after implantation. There were two complications, one small implant exposure and one low-virulent infection involving the nasal tip. Following revision and antibiotic treatment, both patients healed without sequel. All reconstructions were successful in restoring nasal aesthetics and function. Four patients underwent chin augmentations with an uneventful clinical course.