Skull and facial implants

Skull and facial implants, or craniofacial implants, are solid materials used to reconstruct missing or damaged areas of your head or face. Surgeons use the materials to restore shape, symmetry, and function to the skull, ears, forehead, nose, cheekbones, eye sockets, jaw, and chin. Implants can also be used for cosmetic reasons, such as making the chin or jaw more pronounced or adding volume to sagging skin.  

Craniofacial implants are typically made of synthetic materials such as silicone, plastic, or titanium (a type of metal). Sometimes surgeons use bone taken from your body (autograft) or a cadaver (allograft), but these implants aren’t as common. In some instances, skull and facial implants act like scaffolding to help soft tissue regrow.  

Head and neck reconstruction is a complex process that requires the input of many specialists. At Penn Medicine, otorhinolaryngologists with fellowship training in head and neck surgery collaborate with experts in neurosurgery, facial plastic surgery, reconstructive head and neck surgery, microvascular surgery, and oral and maxillofacial surgery to ensure you receive the care you need. Our team uses the latest computerized 3D imaging technology to plan your surgery. They routinely perform technically challenging procedures with excellent outcomes.  

Skull and facial reconstructive implants can restore form and function for people with: 

• Congenital abnormalities, such as cleft lip and palate
• Defects from cancer treatment or surgery 
• Facial amputations 
• Severe burns 
• Skeletal fractures and other traumatic injuries 

Skull and facial implant surgery requires careful planning. We use imaging tools such as CT scans or MRI to produce detailed pictures of your head and face. Computers turn the images into 3D models that allow us to select the right size, shape, and type of implant for your needs.  

The implants we use at Penn Medicine are customized to fit your unique anatomy, which can improve aesthetic and functional outcomes. In addition to imaging scans, you’ll need a complete physical exam and lab tests to make sure you’re healthy enough for surgery.  

Before the procedure, you’ll start taking antibiotics. Antibiotics fight infection and can help reduce the risk of complications. Your care team will provide additional instructions about preparing for facial and skull implant surgery.  

Skull and facial implant surgery varies from person to person, depending on the complexity of the reconstruction. For some people, head and face reconstruction requires multiple procedures performed in stages. In general, here’s what you can expect:  

1. You receive general anesthesia and will be asleep during the procedure.  
2. Your surgeon makes a cut in your skin to place the implants. They may remove soft tissue or remodel existing bone to prepare a site for the implant.  
3. The implants are anchored with permanent stitches, screws, or magnets. Sometimes, implants are attached directly to bone, called osseointegration.  
4. If you require any tissue grafts (taking skin or tissue from one area of the body to use on another area) for the reconstruction, a microvascular surgeon reattaches nerves and blood vessels. 

Skull and facial implant surgery is usually an inpatient procedure, which means you’ll spend at least a few days recovering in the hospital. Your care team will give you antibiotics and pain medication to manage any discomfort. At home, you may have pain, swelling, or numbness in parts of your head or face.  

Depending on the extent of your surgery, full recovery can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. You’ll have periodic imaging exams so your provider can monitor healing and check the placement of the implant. 

All surgeries carry risks. Potential complications of craniofacial implant surgery include:  

• Bleeding 
• Blood clots 
• Bone erosion 
• Hematoma (pooled blood at the incision site) 
• Implant displacement or rejection 
• Infection 
• Nerve injury 
• Scarring 
• Seroma (buildup of fluid under the skin) 

Penn Medicine is known regionally and nationally for our head and neck reconstruction expertise. We treat people from all over the country with complex face and skull irregularities resulting from cancer treatment, surgery, and traumatic injuries.  

When you turn to us for care, you’ll find a compassionate team ready to guide and support you through every stage of treatment. We listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and use our extensive knowledge to help you meet your functional and aesthetic goals.