Midfacial Soft-Tissue Changes after Paranasal Augmentation with Porous Polyethylene

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of porous polyethylene in paranasal augmentation on the overlying soft tissue. Thirty-three patients underwent paranasal augmentation using 3-mm-thick porous polyethylene and mandibular setback, and 35 patients underwent mandibular setback only. Lateral cephalograms were taken before and 6 months after the surgery to compare the soft-tissue changes in the paranasal area. Complications and patient satisfaction following the surgery were also analyzed. The average soft-tissue change in the paranasal area after the augmentation was 2.42 +/- 0.33mm, while there was no definite soft-tissue change in the paranasal area after mandibular setback alone. The ratio of soft-tissue changes to paranasal implant thickness was 80.7%. All patients in the augmentation group were satisfied with their surgical outcomes, which led to convex lateral profile with increase in midface volume. There were no complications such as postoperative infection or foreign body reaction requiring removal of implants. Paranasal augmentation using porous polyethylene is a predictable method providing minimal morbidity in patients with paranasal deficiency.