Natural coral skeleton used as onlay graft for contour augmentation of the face. A preliminary report.

The skeletons of two different genera of Madreporaria were used as onlay graft material for contour augmentation of the face. With coral blocks or granules in a subperiosteal fashion, patients with hemifacial microsomia, maxillary hypoplasia, microgenia, and Treacher Collins' syndrome have been adequately treated. Sixteen augmentations were performed in 14 patients, followed up for 6-34 months. One graft had to be removed because its inadequate fixation resulted in mobility. Delayed healing was observed in another case for the same reason. Coral skeleton is a cheap, natural biomaterial with excellent biocompatibility. It can easily be prepared and shaped, and it maintained its form over the period observed.