Imaging of silastic cheek implant penetration into the maxillary sinus.

Abstract

Silastic implants are popular for cosmetic cheek augmentation. We describe the computed tomographic (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in 5 cases (4 patients) with penetration of the medial aspect of Silastic cheek implants through the anterior maxillary sinus wall. Three cases demonstrated associated sinus mucosal thickening, and 3 cases demonstrated infection surrounding the implant. In 3 cases, the implants migrated into the maxillary sinus, and in 1 case the implant also eroded through the nasoantral wall and extended into the nasal cavity. Maxillary sinus penetration is a potential complication of Silastic cheek implants. The extent of this complication can be characterized by CT and MRI.