What are polyethylene implants?
Polyethylene implants are porous synthetic polymers that are biologically inert and non-biodegradable in the body. MEDPOR® Biomaterial Implants are a brand of high density polyethylene (HDPE) solid implants that have been used by plastic surgeons since 1985 in facial augmentation, either for reconstructive or cosmetic purposes. Its porosity allows for soft tissue and vascular ingrowth, which helps in keeping the implant in place. Mesh forms of HDPE include Prolene® and Marlex®.