Can Custom Facial Implants Protect Against Bone Fractures/Displacement?

Q: Dr. Eppley, Hello I read the article about how a custom jaw and skull implant is highly unlikely to fracture or dislocate due to how much surface they take up. My question is regarding the custom cheekbone implants. Will there be a higher risk of fracture or dislocation. I am a male in mid 20´s that trains in boxing recreationally.

A: When I speak of fracture or dislocation in regards to facial implants, and custom facial implants in particular, I am referring to the bone underneath them. Given the coverage of the bone by the implant, which virtually acts like a bumper on the bone, it would make bone injury underneath it much less likely due to the implant’s shock-absorbing and force redistribution effect.

I am assuming you are not referring to the actual implant being fractured (which is virtually impossible) or being displaced. (also very unlikely)

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana