Although porous polyethylene (PPE) implants are already used in reconstructive craniofacial surgery, they are still only applied in rhinoplasty when critically indicated. Biocompatibility of PPE implants (pore size ~100-200 µm) can be modified by tissue engineering: coatings with extracellular matrix components, growth factors, anti-inflammatory substances and living cells are all possible. At present, transparent dorsal skinfold chamber models in animals appear to be particularly appropriate for pre-clinical evaluation. Using in vivo fluorescence microscopy, angiogenic microvascular ingrowth and inflammatory leukocyte-endothelial cell interactions can be analysed in detail with regard to functionally relevant mechanical integration. Preclinical data indicate that tissue engineering could improve the biocompatibility of these novel PPE implants and thus extend their range of clinical applications.