Standard Chin and Jaw Angle Implants vs Custom Jawline Implant

Q: Dr. Eppley, I’m looking to have a chin implant, and possibly jaw angle implants within the next few months. I’ve ruled out a custom jawline implant. I think it would be a bit too invasive and costly. I’m fairly happy with my overall base, so i think off-the-shelf implants would work well.     

In particular, I’m seeking to have more defined, angular chin and jawline. I think your work here looks very good.   I would prefer something similar.

A:To provide clarification as to your jawline augmentation goals:

1) A custom jawline implant is no more invasive than three separate chin and jaw angle implants, it is the same operation just with a connected implant shape whose dimensions have been made based on the bony anatomy. One may not choose a custom jawline implant due to cost but not because it is more invasive.

2) Whether standard chin and jaw angle implants will achieve your jawline goals can not be precisely predicted before surgery. Whether you would achieve a look similar to the picture you have shown is not assured. That is a connected jawline or linear jawline look and standard implants are not connected.

3) I would not disagree that standard chin and jaw angle implants are a reasonable approach for you but let’s not confuse that potential result with that of what a custom jawline implant can do which always produces a superior aesthetic jawline look.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana