Can Custom Facial Implants Fix Asymmetries After Orthognathic Surgery?

Q: Dr. Eppley, Interested in custom facial implants to balance out facial assymetry caused following orthognathic surgery. This means I have titanium plates (screws?) In my face. Can you still perform facial implants for me? Thank you so much! I have some xrays from a few years back when they took them right after surgery if you needed to see those. I would love to have a balanced profile if you think this could help? Thank you very much!

A: Thank you for your inquiry and detailing your objectives to which I can say the following:

1) The use of custom facial implants to correct disproportions and asymmetries after orthognathic surgery is very common in my experience.

2) All such patients have indwelling metal hardware which is not an impediment to placing implants and in some cases is even removed in the process. (if not overgrown with bone)

3) Custom facial implants require a 3D CT scan for designing which will fully reveal in detail not precisely seen your facial bony anatomy and metal hardware. Thus there is no need for any prior x-rays that you may have.

4) I would a description of your specific facial areas of concern and any pictures that so illustrate for my assessment. My assistant Camille will contact you to schedule a virtual consultation time to discuss further.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana