Implants vs. Fat Grafting for Temporal Augmentation

Q: Dr. Eppley, What are the risks of the temporal implant surgery? What would be the worst outcome? What is the recovery period?  Can any natural techniques like bone grafting be used instead of artificial implant….because these artificial implants may have risk of infection and  may visually appear unnatural.

A: There are a variety of types of temporal implant surgery but I will assume you are referring to standard temporal implants for Zone 1 and 2 anterior augmentation for classic temporal hollowing. Temporal augmentation is about augmenting the muscle not bone as that is what makes up all of the anterior temporal region. Such implants are placed under the fascia on top of the muscle which is closer to the skin. Their subfascial location ensures no visible implant outlines and a more effective and natural augmentation result. Because this is a muscle implant the risk of infection is very low…so low that I have yet to see one.

Bone grafting is not an effective technique for temporal augmentation. If one was to consider a natural technique for temporal augmentation the option would be fat injections not bone grafting. Fat grafting has as a role in temporal augmentation but has potential issues with retention and smoothness.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana