Multicenter evaluation of subcutaneous augmentation material implants.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the performance of subcutaneous augmentation material preformed shapes for facial implantation.

DESIGN: One-year prospective multicenter evaluation of implant performance.

SETTING: General community hospital; private and institutional practice; and ambulatory care setting.

PATIENTS: Eighty-two patients undergoing elective cosmetic and reconstructive procedures.

INTERVENTIONS: Patients received nasal dorsal implants (31 patients); chin implants (38 patients); and malar implants (13 patients).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Complications and aesthetic outcome, including implant position, projection, contour, symmetry, and overall aesthetic index.

RESULTS: Complication rates for infection that required implant removal included nasal dorsal implants, 3.2%; chin implants, 5.3%; and malar implants, 3.8%. The overall aesthetic outcome was judged by an independent panel of facial plastic surgeons on a scale from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent): nasal dorsal implants scored 4.1; chin implants, 3.8; and malar implants, 3.6.

CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that subcutaneous augmentation material preformed shapes offer a relatively safe and effective treatment alternative for permanent facial augmentation.