Is Medpor Or Silicone Facial Implants Better?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I want to know if there is a difference in the appearance between silicone cheek and jaw implants and medpor cheek and jaw implants. From pictures and my own knowledge I think it is clear that the Medpor looks and feels more like real bone. But I don’t know if this has an effect on the appearance outside the face. Does Medpor give a more chiselled appearance? I am concerned maybe silicone will give a softer, less angular look (even if customized to be angular). Is this true? I know the silicone is made in to harder material, but I have felt it and it is quite easy to cut (with scalpel). I also notice it can be bendy, and be twisted etc. I don’t think Medpor can bend like elastic, can it? I want a very sharp angle jaw and also cheek implants (sharper than angelina jolie even). Thanks in advance.

A: What creates an outer facial appearance is the shape of the implant that lies underneath. What composition facial implants are made of makes no difference at all. So that is a misconception. Do not get caught up in what the material feels or does outside the body. When any material is overlaid on bone it will feel as form and inflexible as bone.

Quite frankly Medpor is not a very good facial implant material that turns into a major problem if you ever have to revise it. And the potential revision of any type of facial implant should not be underestimated. Removing or revising a Medpor implant is very traumatic and destructive to the tissues. I take them out frequently from other surgeon’s work and I shake my head every time wondering why this material is ever put in.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana