Can I Get A LeFort I Osteotomy If I Have Infraorbital Rim Implants?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I have infraorbital rim implants already and am currently planning for double jaw surgery to correct bimax recession (I’ll be having lefort 1 and BSSO with counter clockwise rotation). 

Is it ok that I have infraorbital implants so far as getting this surgery done? When I’ve seen diagrams for lefort 1 procedures, the screws and plates do extend up into the cheek area (though I don’t think they go quite as far as the orbital rim, but it seems in close proximity). I’m worried when I consult, the surgeons may tell me they need to remove the implants because they are in the way of where they need to secure the plates. However, I have seen that there are  multiple variations in the sorts of plates used, with some that do not extend around this area.

A: With the use of standard infraorbital rim implants I don’t see any problem with the performance of a LeFort I osteotomy or the fixation needed to secure it.

Dr. Barry Eppley

World Renowned Plastic Surgeon