Can I Get My Uneven Hydroxyapatite Jaw Augmentation Reduced/Removed?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I have previously had hydroxyapatite added to the jawline and chin, which I am not happy with and would like to remove some if possible.

I would then like look at how to achieve a more angular look to my jawline. I also had it to my cheeks and various other areas which I am happy with.

I have had some to my outer brow which I am also happy with, however I would like to add some more to lift the eyebrow to form a straight line rather than curve downward – I am not sure if you can change the shape of the bone in this location also to soften the curve of the socket

Below is a crude visualization, existing on left and proposed on right

  • Removal of hydroxyapatite to top of chin
  • Buzz down of chin bone to straighten
  • Removal of hydroxyapatite to jawline  and potential buzz down to straighten and give a sharper line – may also benefit from J Plasma lipo to remove fat and shrink skin
  • Build up of the mandibular at the ear junction to create a sharper more define angle
  • Build up of eyebrow area at outer end to straighten end of brow and reduce curve down – not sure if can buzz down bone here to soften the round eye socket look

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

  1. Hydroxyapatite cement is very difficult to remove over a large surface area like the jawline through limited incisions. It may have been placed through such limited incisions but it can not be reversed/removed/modified that way.
  2. Regardless of these difficulties you need a current 3D face CT scan which will show the extent of the challenge.

3) As a general rule one can not reduce their way into improved jawline definition. Thus I do not consider your imaged jawline results achievable. (jaw reduction with improved definition)  Removal of the hydroxyapatite (if possible) and J Plasma lipo simply will not work.

4) Improving the jaw angle and brow bone shape by augmentation has a better chance to be successful.

But providing clarity to all four stated points requires the 3D CT scan.

Dr. Barry Eppley

World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon