The application of alloplastic materials for augmentation in cosmetic facial surgery

Alloplastic augmentation materials can be used to change or to accentuate facial contours and to add facial v olume. These implants are usually inserted in a subperiosteal pocket but can also be placed supraperiostally. The most popular facial implants are made of solid silicone, porous polyethylene or porous hydroxylapatite. Several sizes of anatomically pre-shaped implants are obtainable for the mid- and lower facial regions, the periorbital region, the mandibular angle and the chin region. Complications are rare, and most often involve migration of the implant and an infection. Alternatives to facial augmentation are osteotomies of the facial bones and selective microfat transfer. These techniques can also be combined.