Blog

Q: Dr. Eppley, Been looking around for the time of healing for the procedure of occipital knob reduction. A: The time of healing after occipital knob skull reduction surgery depends on how you choose to define ‘healing’. I suspect you actually mean recovery as that is more relevant. True 100% healing of the tissues is […]

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am interested in Iliac crest implants and rib removal. Is it possible to do both of these procedures in the US? A: Both rib removal waistline narrowing and iliac crest implant surgery can be done at the same time. Here in the U.S., unlike Korea where the original titanium iliac crest […]

Q: Dr. Eppley, I’m considering undergoing V-line surgery but I’m afraid if I do I’ll get an overly oval/egg shaped face with a jaw that is too narrow. Is it possible to get V-line surgery just to change the height of the ramus and with some overall narrowing but not too much?  In particular, I […]

Q: Dr. Eppley, 1. How wide can a skull implant possibly ? Considering one does a scalp extender and does anything necessary to achieve that. I’ve seen it be 7mm at the widest point and then another 1cm or more if im not mistaken. How much further can it exceed? 2. I’ve read that you never […]

Q: Dr. Eppley, Is it possible to do anterior, posterior, lateral, and above skull implants together, but not on the same day? A: That is technically possible but would not usually be a good aesthetic choice. The skull is a large connected set of convex surfaces so augmenting all five skull surfaces independently would not […]

Q: Dr. Eppley, Hello. I want to reshape my head with bone cement. The first image is before and the 2nd is what I would like (used photoshop). Is this possible? A: You are not going to get that skull augmentation result (or even close) with bone cements for the following reasons: 1) The most common […]

Q: Dr. Eppley, At the moment I am undecided as to whether I want bone burring to be done due to the bi-coronal incision (incision that travels over the scalp) so I just want you to assist me in weighing up the risk to benefits by answering some enquiries. I also say this based off […]

Q: Dr. Eppley, i have consulted with a surgeon about the procedure modified lefort 3. My question is why is the implant route the way to go instead of surgery? A: The midface implant route is the superior aesthetic approach to midface augmentation IF there is no compelling need to change the occlusion. (one’s bite) […]

Q: Dr. Eppley, I have a question regarding facial outline and skull shape. I have looked through your question archives but couldn’t find anything on the exact topic. Is it possible to change the facial outline of your face to make it less round and more straight. I am including a picture as an example. […]

Q: Dr. Eppley, Hello! I believe my jaw is not symmetrical and feel one side is longer.. if I sent a variety of photos that it is very visible could you possibly tel if it can be solved/ corrected my by just a custom jawline implant or chin implant or if I would have to […]

Q: Dr. Eppley, I wanted to ask for your thoughts on what you believe would be the best treatment option for me. I have always had a very ‘flat’ face with lack of forward projection. I am 26 now and previously had braces aged 16 to correct a slight crossbite, and also my upper and […]

Q: Dr. Eppley, I have a dent in my nose and I find it extremely hard to breathe out of my nose over the years I’ve tried multiple different nasal sprays, home remedies, I’m sure I’ve tried every single suggestion on the internet not only is it extremely difficult for me to breathe I absolutely […]

Q: Dr. Eppley, I currently have large posterior PEEK jaw angle implants (~12mm width; no vertical augmentation). My presentation is complicated by significant bilateral masseter dehiscence, as I have history of prior jaw surgeries. The appearance is the classic skeletonized angles + the muscle bulge superiorly.  I have read your various posts on masseter muscle […]

Q: Dr. Eppley, My little boy is soon to be 6 years old. He has a wide head with flattening mainly to one side and his ear is slightly pushed forward on that side. I would like to try and get this sorted for him before at this age. Is this something you can help […]

Q: Dr. Eppley, Hello, I would like to ask about the customized skull, how hard is it and is it safe and almost as hard as the original bone? A: A custom skull implant will feel just like bone and when implanted you can not tell the difference between it and your natural skull….even though […]

Q: Dr. Eppley, in terms of the occipital procedure, what kind of swelling can I expect and will any hair be shaved to make the incision? Or in other words, will I be able to go back to work pretty soon afterward without worry about the scar being seen as it’s healing and any swelling […]

Q: Dr. Eppley, I’m curious are there any surgeries to make the eyes look further apart? I know an orbital box osteotomy actually moves the eyes further apart but that’s a obviously a very invasive surgery for a couple of mms. A: Whether it is 2mm or 10mms the only way to physically move the […]

Q: Dr. Eppley, Hey I’m a transgender female patient who is interested in getting hip implants cause I have hip dips and they make me feel like I look boyish. A: Of all body contouring procedures, hip implants have the highest rate of postoperative problems. I have learned to choose patients carefully for this procedure […]

Q: Dr. Eppley, I had an endoscopic brow lift 3 years ago and I am left with 4 vertical lumps on my forehead (pictures). The surgeon who did the brow lift believes it is scar tissue.  Do you think you could treat those scars by any means ? Would it require surgery or maybe just […]

Q: Dr. Eppley, I had cheekbone reduction surgery via osteotomy 2 weeks ago. The bones were reached and fractured intraorally and with exterior incisions. On my sideburns where the exterior incisions were made there are really hard lumps which are a concern to me because I don’t know if it’s swelling that will eventually dissipate […]

Q: Dr. Eppley, What are your thoughts on Vermillion Advancement and why is this better or worse than the bullhorn/gullwing? I have very thin upper lift and downturned mouth.  Thank you!! A: FYI bullhorn = subnasal lip lift, gullwing = vermilion advancement While you can have a subnasal lip lift you should not have it […]

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am wanting to fix dents in my butt cheek that I might have gotten from a steroid shot when I was younger. I’ve had this noticeable set of dents/dimples for as long as I can remember. These dents show more when I’m simply standing or wearing tight clothes. I am always […]

Q: Dr. Eppley, I’m interested into getting a few things done in your Clinic. I would like to get Hip Implants, Rib Removal and my Shoulders narrowed. Is it possible to get it done in one surgery? And how long would you recommend to stay in your clinic? About me: I’m trans (mtf) and have […]

Q: Dr. Eppley, I’m wondering if a submalar cheek implants works effectively on African-American skin for someone with facial lipodystrophy? A: I am not aware that there are any racial differences when it comes to the aesthetic effects of submalar cheek implants. If someone is a good candidate they can be effective regardless of race, […]

Q: Dr. Eppley, I had a couple quick questions regarding the posterior temple reduction surgery that I have been very interested in. I’ve been reading up on it and it says that after the surgery, the full results won’t be shown until 6 weeks after. Why is this? Is it because there’s a shrink wrap […]

Q: Dr. Eppley, I wanted to email you in regards to the cost of a chin augmentation using either an implant or sliding genioplasty. I have a slightly recessed chin I would like to bring forward. I can provide photos. I would like some more information about the custom implant process and how that would […]

Q: Dr. Eppley, Looking to correct previous gynecomastia surgery. I have bilateral surface irregularities/depressions and scar tethering during flexion. Original surgery completed one year ago with fat grafting completed six months later. Pre and post pictures included. A: Thank you for your inquiry and sending your pictures. As I understand your history you had an […]

Q: Dr. Eppley, I like the first chin augmentation imaging that you did the best, I believe that is the smallest correct? For some reason though I just think I may Iook too masculine. I mean I know I have a boyish face but sometimes I feel like my recessed chin is the only feminine […]

Q: Dr. Eppley, Has you ever had patients post-operation suffer from weakness in chewing or keeping the jaw closed after having done the posterior and/or anterior temporalis muscle removal/reduction?  -What sort of feeling should I expect post-operation and during the healing process when Dr Barry performs bone burring on my enlarged temporal line?  -Just to […]

Q: Dr. Eppley, How many centimeters can you extend your shoulder reduction surgery? There are many places where triangular muscles, seolsang muscles, and chest are connected. What are the side effects? Please explain this in detail.  A: The amount of clavicle bone removed in shoulder narrowing surgery is 2.5cms per side. This has consistently shown […]