Can I Get A Temporal Implant On Just One Side?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am interested in temporal implant augmentation. I am a 35 year old male who ever since I was a child I have had one temple that was somewhat misshapen and sunken in. As I have gotten older and lost my baby fat, in addition to becoming leaner all around, it has become more and more noticeable and the way it looks bothers me. I see you have temporal implant treatments and I am wondering what the general ballpark amounts are for something like this. Keep in mind that only my left side is abnormal. 

A: A very simple and effective solution for temporal hollowing is a temporal implant. Placed in the subfascial plane on top of the temporalis muscle, it can immediately add permanent volume to temporal hollows. For just one side, it can be placed in a 30 minute procedure under local or IV sedation. There is very little swelling and no recovery afterwards of any significance. I would have to see some pictures of your temporal hollowing to determine its extent and exact location. Temporal implants work best for when the hollowing is deepest in the temporal region just above the zygomatic arch.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana