A new application for craniofacial implants: wigs.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to describe a new application of craniofacial implants, as anchoring elements for wigs.


METHODS
In two patients, a split-skin graft was used to close a soft tissue defect in the occipital, parietal, temporal, and frontal region (defect size of 10 cm x 33 cm and 10 cm x 14 cm). Six titanium implants were placed in each patient. Six months after implant placement, abutment connection was performed and titanium magnets were adapted. Subsequently, an implant-retained wig was constructed.


RESULTS
In a follow-up period of between 10 and 22 months no implant failed. The incorporated wigs effectively retain a functionally and cosmetically successful craniofacial rehabilitation.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite these successful treatments, further research is needed before craniofacial implants as anchoring elements for wigs can be considered a standard option in the rehabilitation of craniofacial alopecic defects.
Weischer
T
T
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University-GHS-Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, 45122 Essen, Germany. TJWeischer@t-online.de
Mohr
C
C
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D004954:Esthetics; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005624:Frontal Bone / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery; D006197:Hair; D006801:Humans; D008280:Magnetics / Q000295:instrumentation; D008297:Male; D009508:Nevus, Pigmented / Q000601:surgery; D009777:Occipital Bone / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery; D016348:Osseointegration; D010294:Parietal Bone / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D012535:Scalp / Q000601:surgery; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D016038:Skin Transplantation / Q000379:methods; D012886:Skull / Q000601:surgery*; D013701:Temporal Bone / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery; D014025:Titanium
D014025:Titanium