Can MIdface Augmentation Create A LeFort Advancement Effect?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am interested in midface augmentation. I’m 25 years old and I have problems with my facial aesthetics. My forehead is more protruding than my midface and my lower third. This is easily observeable in sunny places, my forehead is highlighted but the rest of the face (except the nose) in shadow. Since my bite is good and my jaw quite strong, I would think a chin implant is a good idea, but is there an really effective method to bring the midface forward without a LeFort osteotomy?

A: As for the chin implant I would need to see pictures to make a helpful comment on its benefits for you. There is a very effective method to bring the level of the face around the nose forward which would create the equivalent of LeFort I osteotomy effect. Combined paranasal/premaxillary- maxillary implants can have a very powerful midface augmentation effect. Cheek implants are also useful but they create a zygomatic augmentation (upper midface) not a maxillary (lower midface) augmentation effect.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana