Can Thicker Facial Soft Tissues Be Thinned?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I have a question that greatly confuses me. When I see you talk about implants, you often greatly emphasize that the thickness of the facial tissue has an immense impact on the outcome of facial implantation. I always took this to mean the amount of fat in the face; however, I seen you clarify that the thicker facial soft tissue is not fat. 

My question is, if not fat, what makes ethnic soft tissue thicker than others, and is there anything that can be done to thin the tissue?

A: It relates to all components of the soft tissues the epithelium, dermis, fibrofatty layers and the muscles. Can it be substantially thinned…no. Can it be thinned a little by fat removal in selective places…yes. But an overall facial tissue thinness can not the obtained unless the underlying facial bone structure is expanded by osteotomies or implants which stretches it out.

Dr. Barry Eppley

World Renowned Plastic Surgeon