Can Zygomatic Arch Implants Be Made of PEEK?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I was wondering if it possible to augment the zygomatic arch with PEEK? I know its possible with silicone since its flexible and easier to get it onto the arch, I have seen many of your design do that. But what about PEEK? I assume that’s not really possible from intra-oral or eyelid incision like silicone? Is it possible to do any other way, perhaps with incision in your sideburns or something? And what about fixation in that area? 

A:it is not a problem with an intraoral or lower eyelid approach for a PEEK zygomatic arch implant placement. Its stiffness provides some advantages over silicone which has the potential to ‘flip an edge’ way back on the posterior arch where you can’t see or feel it in surgery. The key in zygomatic arch implants regardless of the material or approach is that you need a visible flange for screw fixation.

I wouldn’t use a side burn approach, which works well for a posterior zygomatic arch osteotomy, but the access is too limited for the placement of an implant.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Plastic Surgeon