Can Jaw Angle Implants Fix Asymmetry After A BSSO Procedure?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am interested in jaw angle implants for the asymmetry between the fullness/width at my mandibular angles. I am lookingfor a Oral surgeon/plastic surgeon combo who has experience working in the mandibular area because a few years ago I had a BSSO and after the surgery this asymmetry became more apparent to me. I had synthetic fillers placed on the deficient side a few months ago and they worked well but I don’t know if this is something I am interested in doing for the rest of my life and possibly want a long-term fix. You seem experienced with this type of surgery and therefore I am reaching out.

A: Many times after a BSSO mandibular procedure there will be changes in the shape of the jaw angle area. This is due to either how the proximal and distal segments of the BSSO were put together, bone resorption or both. Jaw angle implants can reshape these areas nicely and the only question is whether they should be custom or off the shelf implants…that would depend on the magnitude of the deformity and how asymmetric the two sides are.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana