Skin management

Skin management with AHEAD Implant

A successful implant-retained craniofacial reconstruction requires not only stable osseointegration, but also a well-considered approach to skin management. The skin forms the interface between the implant and the external environment, and plays a critical role in the long-term functionality and health of the implant site. Optimal healing and care of the skin surrounding the percutaneous abutment are essential to prevent infections, excessive scarring, and skin irritation.

The AHEAD Craniofacial Implant System offers an integrated approach to skin management, with carefully engineered components that support controlled wound healing and long-term stability. BioComp provides two methods for this purpose:

Recommendation: Combination of percutaneous abutment with the pressure dressing cap
Option: Use of the healing post

Both methods have been developed to offer the patient optimal comfort and a durable solution, with minimal risk of complications.

Skin Management | AHEAD Healing Post vs Dressing Pressure Cap

AHEAD huidmanagement met percutaan abutment en verbanddrukkap

BIOCOMP RECOMMENDATION

Percutaneous abutment with dressing pressure cap

The percutaneous abutment defines the transcutaneous passage during the healing phase. The dressing pressure cap secures the dressing around the percutaneous abutment and applies gentle pressure to the surgically closed wound.

This configuration can be placed either immediately or during the second-stage surgery. Preferably, the percutaneous abutment should remain in situ. Once the skin has healed and stabilized, the percutaneous abutment can serve as the foundation for tertiary components such as a magnet or bar construction. It may also be replaced with a percutaneous abutment of a different height or a console abutment.

Advantages

Faster healing and fewer surgical interventions
Improved skin formation and stability
Reduced risk of infection
Simplified postoperative care

View the AHEAD dressing pressure cap

OPTIONAL

AHEAD healing post

In cases where a stepwise approach is preferred, a healing post can be used. This provides flexibility during the postoperative phase and supports controlled transcutaneous healing before placement of a definitive percutaneous abutment.

A healing post can be placed either immediately or during the second-stage surgery. It defines the transcutaneous passage during the healing phase and secures the dressing. If desired, an additional dressing pressure ring (EO-1400-400007) can be used. The healing post allows for the creation of the transcutaneous passage without defining skin thickness, thereby postponing the final selection of abutment height until after initial surgery.

Advantages

Greater flexibility and control over healing
Reduced risk of skin-related complications
Possibility for assessment and adjustment
Minimal surgical burden

View the AHEAD healing post