Can Custom Cheek Implants be Designed with Existing Standard Cheek Implants in Place?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I had my cheek implants (Terino malar style 6mm size) placed about 10 years ago. As I get older I realize I look tired because of my under eye bags seemingly created by the forward placement of my implants. I have always wanted a more posterior “high cheekbone” extended arch implant that you describe and have pictures on the website. Is it still possible to replace my off the shelf implants with custom extended implants even though I already have implants in place?

A: There is no problem changing out your current cheek implants with new custom designed cheek implants. In fact over 1/3 of all custom cheek implants are done in patients who have had prior standard cheek implants.

In computer designing cheek implants, any existing cheek implants can be digitally removed to make the new ones. it is also helpful once the new implants have been designed to digitally bring back in the existing implants to compare the two designs in shape and bone surface area coverage. 

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana