Is There A Scar Difference Between Silicone And Medpor Facial Implants?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I have a question regarding capsule formation that I was hoping you could clarify. I have heard what I believe is misinformation that the material of Medpor facial implants produces a different aesthetic outcome than silicone facial implants in terms of chin/jaw implants . The reasoning this individual used was that silicone implants form a capsule and therefore the appearance of such an implant will always appear “off”, and that Medpor implants will not result in such a capsule.

Correct me if I’m wrong, but I believe that Medpor also forms a scar capsule (albeit a smaller one) and that while silicone forms a capsule, it is not one that has any significant or noticeable aesthetic impact. Capsular contracture can form aesthetic complications, but that is a actually rare complication not common to chin or jaw implants. 

Is my understanding correct? If one were to make a custom silicone implant the exact same size and shape as a Medpor implant, wouldn’t the aesthetic outcome be identical?

I would appreciate any clarification you could provide on this topic.

A: All implants placed in the body produce a surrounding scar, whether it is a facial implant or a breast implant, regardless of the material. This is a natural protective reaction of the body. (self vs non-self) Thus both silicone and Medpor facial implants produce a surrounding scar (capsule) with the only difference being is that the capsule  produced around a Medpor implant will be more adherent or stuck due to the irregular semiporous surface of the implant. The scar capsule will also be slightly thicker as a result.The internal surface of a silicone implant capsule will be very smooth (and thinner) since the implant surface is smooth. But beyond that, the biology and make-up of both implant material’s capsules are similar.

From the outside and its aesthetic results, identically shaped and sizes of Medpor and Silicone facial implants will look the same.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana