Can Hydroxyapatite Granules Be Used For Chin and Jaw Augmentation?

Q: Dr. Eppley, Can you still perform chin and jaw augmentation with coral hydroxyapatite implants ? If yes do you have some before and after pictures on male patients that had this procedure done ? What is the price ? I’m prone to autoimmune issues so i can’t use regular implants.

A: As a general statement HA granules are a very poor method of chin and jaw augmentation….unless the amount of augmentation is very small and localized. (which has not been my experience with most male patients that seek jaw augmentation) The results often are uneven/irregular and extremely modest in its aesthetic effects. Normally I would never consider using it because of these issues. It is very biologically appealing but aesthetically unappealing.

However I can understand why you ask given your autoimmune concerns…which means this is your only onlay jaw augmentation option. (obviously fillers remain a non-surgical option) The question from my standpoint is not whether they can be used but their cost. To do chin and jaw augmentation of any significance you would need 8 to 10cc (syringes) of material and would have to accept that it would need to be placed in a non-linear fashion. (meaning on the chin and jaw angles but don’t try to connect the three areas)

Dr. Barry Eppley

World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon