What are Paranasal Medpor Implants?
These implants are made of porous polyethylene. This is a non-absorbable material, which means the result will be permanent. The omni-directional pore structure of the polyethylene implants increases the acceptance of the implant by the body, by allowing the patient's own tissue to integrate with the implant.
We use these paranasal implants in patients who have no volume in the paranasal area, just next to the wings of the nose. This lack of volume can be caused by underdevelopment of the maxilla (maxilla) or soft tissue loss due to aging, or a combination of both.
Since women tend to have fuller cheeks and fewer wrinkles and furrows on their faces, adding volume to the cheeks and paranasal area has proven to have a feminizing effect in many cases.
Medpor implants or fat grafting?
- Since the effect of lipofilling in the paranasal area has proven to be subtle, we recommend implants for those who really need a significant amount of extra volume in that area.
- Dr. Bart van Nimmen prefers these implants. Why? Because they have been shown to provide the best long-term results. They are placed through an incision just below the eyelashes, allowing for very symmetrical placement. Because they are screwed in place, they stay in place, and there is virtually no risk of infection. In older patients with very sagging lower eyelids, extra precautions must be taken to ensure that no lower eyelid drooping (ectropion) develops. But in the hands of an experienced surgeon, the results of this procedure are fantastic.
- One of the great advantages of these implants is that they can easily be reduced in size or even completely removed if the patient is not satisfied with the result (however rare). Something that is not always possible with transplanted fat.
Procedure
- The incisions are made intraorally and the paranasal bone is exposed.
- Sometimes the prefabricated implants fill the defect perfectly, but often it is necessary to sharpen them to create a pleasant effect.
- After this, the implants are fixed with 2 titanium screws on both sides and the gums are sutured back with dissolvable sutures.
Recovery
- We recommend that you rinse your mouth with mouthwash two to three times a day. You will receive this mouthwash from us after your operation. It helps keep the mouth free of bacteria and heals the wound.
- The stitches will be completely dissolved after about two weeks.
- You will also experience the usual side effects of surgery:
- Swelling (the first two weeks)—Immediately after surgery, the area may be swollen and feel bruised. To reduce swelling, we recommend sleeping on three pillows so that your face is higher than the rest of your body. After about three weeks, about 80% of the bruising and swelling will have disappeared.
- Temporary numbness.
- Your cheeks may feel sore and stiff.
- After two weeks you will get a good impression of what the end result will be after six months.
Possible complications
- Perforation of the implant through the mucosa and resulting infection is possible. In those cases the implants must be removed. After a healing time of approximately 3 months, new implants can then be inserted. But with the right technique for the incisions, making the 'pocket' for the implants and suturing, this has become a rarity in our hands.