Midface Implants

Q: Dr. Eppley, I have a question about midface implants. A  maxillofacial surgeon recommended to me maxillary advancement to correct midface hypoplasia. Can you produce similar results through midface implants? 

A: The aesthetic benefits of onlay midface implants can rival if not be superior to maxillary advancement surgery. The only area in which the deficiency will remain is at the tooth or occlusal level as one’s bite will remain the same. Not changing the position of the anterior maxillary teeth does effect upper lip support and this is one aesthetic component of the midface which will not be improved by skeletal augmentation above it. Midface implants come in a wide variety of styles and sizes from the cheeks, infraorbital rims and tear trough, premaxillary-paranasal as well as maxillary implants. With the exception of the lower orbital rim implants, all midface implants are placed from incisions inside the mouth. Because of the location of midface implants on the side of the face, they are usually best secured with small titanium microscrews. When covering larger areas of the midface, it is often best to have custom midface implants made so that maximal midface augmentation in a smooth manner is achieved.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana