Intrasinus Penetration of a Silastic Malar Implant, which Resulted in Chronic Sinusitis: A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Background:Malar augmentation is a common cosmetic procedure utilizing silastic materials. We describe an uncommon complication of a silastic implant eroding into the anterior maxillary sinus wall resulting in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).Methods:A literature review is presented describing the presentation, surgical management and outcome of this uncommon adverse event.Results:An 80 year old female with a history of bilateral cosmetic malar implants placed approximately 25 years ago presented to our office with a 4–5 month history of left-sided symptoms consistent with chronic sinusitis, and was found to have intrasinus penetration of her left malar implant. Only one other case series of 5 cases in 4 patients is reported in the literature.Conclusions:Intrasinus malar implant migration is a rare complication of malar augmentation. The present experience suggests that removal of the offending foreign body often results in successful symptom resolution.

Imaging of Malar Silastic Implant Complications

“…complicates the use of the conservative alternatives described. Precedent reports have found foreign body removal as the more appropriate treatment in such cases [6]. Although previous case analyses have recognized this complication to occur in a delayed fashion, greater than one to two decades post-operative, this case described is unique in that the patient presented with intrasinus migration four years subsequent to implant placement [6][7][8].…”