What are the chin implants made from?
They are commonly made from hard Silicone:
"As an implantable biomaterial it is most commonly used in the form of the dimethylsiloxane polymer which is a large molecule of repetitive units containing silicon, oxygen and methane, ((CH3)3SiO-[(CH3)2SiO]x-Si(CH3)3).
The extent of polymerization determines the viscosity of dimethylsiloxane and hence its physical state: liquid, gel or solid. Short, linear chains of polymethylsiloxane result in oils or gels. Heat and catalysts increase branch length and form solids. Silicone polymers are easily contaminated with heavy metals, low-chain-length polymers, and other impurities during the manufacturing process and their refinement requires specialized filtration and sterilization. Only Medical grade silicone is approved for implantation in the human body." Grand Rounds - Advanced Biomaterials
Although, many medical device companies are manufacturing newer types which are made from expanded polytetrafluoro- ethylen (ePTFE), rigid polyethylene, hydroxyapatite (processed coral; HA). The rigid polyethylene implants are usually screwed into place into the bones of the face to prevent shifting of the implant post-operatively. The (ePTFE) implants are designed to be porous so that the tissues can attach themselves to the implant to prevent shifting.
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