How Does PEEK Compare to Medpor as a Custom Facial Implant Material?

Q: Dr. Eppley, Of the custom facial implant material options, PEEK makes the most sense to me. Could you tell me the long-term advantages and risks of PEEK compared to Medpor? Is the implant custom-made using a 3D printer?

A: All custom implants are made by 3-D design and printing.

The main advantage of PEEK compared to Medpor is, should the need for removal or modification of the implant become necessary, the Medpor material is by far more challenging and traumatic material remove or revise. Quite frankly I wouldn’t use Medpor for any type of augmentation above the jawline. It has more inferior material handling properties than the other facial implant material options.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Plastic Surgeon