Can Laser Skin Resurfacing Damage My Cheek Implant?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I only have one question I would like to know the answer to. 5 years ago I had a Su-Por cheek implant made of pure high-density polyethylene (HDPE).

I would like to undergo the Zaffiro laser treatment. This is facial thermolifting. The skin heats up to a maximum of 70 degrees Celsius.

Can this damage the implant? Unfortunately, neither a cosmetologist nor a doctor is able to answer this question.

A: This is basic material science. This can be determined by knowing the melting temperature of porous polyethylene. For high-density polyethylene the melting point is typically in the range 120 to 130 °C (248 to 266 °F). The melting point for lower density polyethylene is lower, typically in the 105 to 115 °C (221 to 239 °F) range. Medial grade facial implants are made of high-density polyethylene.

Dr. Barry Eppley

World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon