At What Age Can I Get Facial Implants?

Q: Dr. Eppley, when doing my research I’ve seen studies indicating facial bones stop developing as early as 16 but some doctors say in the mid 20s. My question is what age do regions like the mandible, brow ridge and zygomatic bone stop developing because unless there is major growth why do you have to wait before putting on an implant. My final question is ever since I started boxing at around 15 i noticed my brow ridge has become more prominent is this due to bone remodelling due to external forces. Many Thanks.

A: In answer to your facial bone development questions:

1) Waiting to put in implants until age 18 or older is more about psychological concerns and not about bone development. I think once you get past age 16 unless the bone deficiency is minor (1 or 2mms) I don’t have any concerns about implant on subsequent bone development.

2) It could that the frontal sinus is becoming more fully pneumatized (developed) rather than a reaction to the trauma of boxing.

Dr. Barry Eppley

World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon