Mersilene mesh chin augmentation. A 14-year experience.

During the past 20 years, a variety of alloplastic materials have been introduced for chin augmentation. Mersilene mesh (Ethicon, Sommerville, NJ), introduced in 1950, demonstrates many qualities that make it an ideal implant. This article reviews the senior author's (S.W.P.) successful 14-year experience using Mersilene mesh chin implants. Between 1983 and 1997, 264 patients underwent chin implantation procedures. The results show a low rate of infection (0.8%) and displacement (1.5%). There were 14 temporary paresthesias and no cases of permanent anesthesia. There were no incidences of absorption, rejection, or extrusion. Mersilene provides a soft, natural appearance to the chin, and it continues to be our choice for chin implantation.