What Does The Future Hold For Infection-Free Facial Implants?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am planning a total facial reconstruction to transform my oblong face into a square-shaped aesthetic using custom implants. Since this is a massive financial investment for me, I am concerned about the risk of infection.

Is it possible, with current or upcoming technology, to treat a severe infection by cleaning and disinfecting the existing custom implants (like PEEK or Titanium) and re-inserting them, rather than having to completely discard them and pay for a brand-new set? Are there any specific materials or protocols you use that allow for salvaging the original implants even in the case of a significant infection?

I appreciate your expert guidance on this as I plan my long-term transformation.

I would also like to ask about the future of implant technology. As a medical student planning this for 2040, I am curious if there are any ongoing research or upcoming materials—such as antibiotic-eluting PEEK, silver-nano coated surfaces, or bio-active scaffolds—that are specifically designed to be ‘infection-proof’ or treatable without removal?

Since a full facial reconstruction is a significant long-term investment, I want to know if the field is moving towards materials that allow for deep disinfection and salvage in the event of a severe infection. Any insights into current clinical trials or future trends in material science for custom implants would be incredibly helpful.

Apologies for the specific year mentioned earlier; that was meant to highlight my long-term commitment. However, I want to clarify that if the current technology already offers implants that are infection-resistant or treatable without removal, I am ready to move forward with the procedure as soon as possible. My priority is the safety and longevity of the reconstruction, and I am eager to learn about the best materials available today that meet these criteria.

A:In assessment of the risk of infection in facial implants that risk changes considerably depending upon where on the face they are placed. In my extensive facial implant experience over 35 years I have yet to see an implant infection of the forehead, orbital or cheek areas in which the implants were placed transcutaneously. Almost all implant related infections come from the intraoral placement in the lower midface and lower jaw. That risk is in the 1% to 2% range.

I do not see into the foreseeable future any developments implant technology, by material or design, that will eliminate the known risks of implant related infections that exist today.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Plastic Surgeon