Do Skull Implants Need To Be Replaced?

Q: Dr. Eppley, Do silicone implants for skull reshaping need to be replaced at some point? What is their longevity and advantages over using PMMA? thank you.

A: Silicone skull implants are permanent, do not fail and never need to be replaced due to any material problem. Bone cements for aesthetic skull augmentation as far as I am concerned are of historic relevance…they have poor shape control, can only provide a very limited augmentation effect and are impossible to revise should that need arise. Like any preformed implant they have numerous advantages over any implant material that has to be applied and shaped during surgery through a limited incision.

Dr. Barry Eppley

World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon