An implantable device (42) including a housing having a stud (62) projecting percutaneously through an incision in the patient's skin. The stud (62) defines a peripheral surface (66) extending longitudinally inwardly from the stud (62) outer end. The longitudinal peripheral surface (66) is used as a substrate to carry a peripheral fibrous layer (70) which extends longitudinally along the stud (62)from its outer end adjacent to the skin incision to below the patient's epidermal and dermal skin layers for promoting laterally directed soft tissue in growth. The housing (42) also defines a lateral shoulder surface (60) oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal peripheral surface (66). The shoulder surface (60), when implanted, is located just inwardly from the patient's outer skin surface. The shoulder surface (60) also carries a porous layer conducive to promoting tissue in growth (72). The provision of both lateral and longitudinal porous layers on the device allows tissue in growth, i.e., tissue growth into the interstices of both porous layers to form an enhanced infection resistant barrier while also providing improved device anchoring.