Custom Chin and Mandibular Angle Implant Questions

Q: Dr. Eppley, My current pre-consultation questions are as follows:

1. Will a combination of custom chin and mandibular angle implant be able to expand the width of my entire jawline from chin to mandible? I am concerned about the possibility of seams and bumps between the separate implants. Would a single-piece wraparound implant be a better choice? How much more expensive would that single-piece implant be?

2. How accurately can we predict the final result? What tools does your office use to predict the result?

3. I am also concerned that my cheekbones are very flat and will look out-of-place with a larger jawline. If cheek implants are out of the budget or not feasible at this point for some reason, would fillers be able to accomplish the same result as cheek implants to complement the finished jawline?

4. What would a ballpark estimate be for this procedure’s cost?

Obviously these questions are all subject to change depending on what is seen and recommended during a consultation. But from my current knowledge, I’d like to hear your opinions and answers at the current moment.

I have an album of pictures from various angles available if you would like to see them for yourself. Please let me know.

A: Thank you for your custom chin and mandibular angle implant inquiry. In answer to your questions:

1) A custom one-piece jawline implant is always the superior jawline augmentation method as it creates the most complete volumetric augmentation, is a single seamless linear implant from front to back, and has the less risk of asymmetry and malposition as opposed to three separate chin and jaw angle implants.

2) No surgeon or design software today can accurately predict the external facial effect of what any implant shape and size will create. Surgical experience helps guide the process but it is not an exact science.

3) Fillers are a frequently used option for cheek augmentation either as a trial or an ongoing treatment. They do not create the same exact aesthetic effect as implants but they can be helpful nonetheless.

4) My assistant will pass along the cost of the surgery to you by tomorrow.

You may feel free to send me any pictures for my assessment and computer imaging.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana