Restoring Facial Contour and Harmony Using Biphasic Calcium Phosphate Bioceramics

BACKGROUND: The restoration of facial contour is one of the pillars for the treatment of facial disharmonies and deformities. Fat transplantation and fillers have been widely used to improve the positioning of soft tissues, which are, however, directly related to the conditions and positioning of the underlying bone tissue. Recontouring of the latter has been performed using osteotomies and several types of bone grafts or biomaterials, as inlay or onlay grafts/implants. Here, biphasic calcium phosphate bioceramics were applied in a series of cases, their long-term results are shown, and their advantages, discussed. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 20 patients, who were subjected to facial recontour with onlay implants of biphasic calcium phosphate bioceramics, is reported. Patients were seeking to improve facial harmony due to congenital deformities, trauma, tumor resection or signs of aging, and were followed for up to 16 years. Clinical data, radiographic images, and information regarding pain and other findings were retrieved from medical records. RESULTS: Six patients were men and 14 were women. Their ages ranged from 19 to 64 years. Bioceramics were implanted under the periosteum through external or intraoral incisions. Some patients underwent combined procedures, such as rhinoplasties or facial lifting. None of the patients presented exacerbated inflammation or pain. One of them had infection in the intraoral incision, which was resolved with medication. CONCLUSION: All patients had improved facial contours following the use of bio-ceramics to augment bone tissue and presented stable results at long-term evaluation.