Exposure of high-density porous polyethylene (Medpor) used for contour restoration and treatment.

Porous high-density polyethylene (Medpor) is a biocompatible large-pore, high-density polyethylene implant. It is well tolerated by surrounding tissue, and its porous structure is rapidly infiltrated by host tissue. It is a highly stable and somewhat flexible porous alloplast that has rapid tissue ingrowth into its pores. However, when the implant is placed under a thin cover of skin, there is a risk of exposure. A total of 52 Medpor implants were placed in 31 patients over a four-year period. The implants were used for the chin, malar area, nasal reconstruction, ear reconstruction, orbital reconstruction, and the correction of mandibular contour deformities. Many of these implants were placed in areas considered problematic, such as those with thin or atrophic soft-tissue coverage and extensive scarring. There were nine complications, including three patients in whom the implant was exposed; these are presented here.