Custom Jaw Implant

Q: Dr. Eppley,I know I am interested in at least a custom jaw implant. I have noticeable facial asymmetry. What procedures will fix the following concerns? Long face; weak chin, asymmetric jaw;flat face; asymmetric eyelids;and  no browbone projection.

A: Thank you for your inquiry and sending your pictures. In looking at them your biggest facial deficiency is in the lower third of your face. Your entire lower jaw is short, leading to a weaker chin and lack of any jaw angle prominence. Your face would probably not look as long if the lower third of the face was more prominent. There is also some asymmetry of the lower jaw which is magnified because of its underdevelopment. To best treat this type of lower jaw deficiency, a custom jaw implant made from a 3D CT scan would treat both the lower jaw deficiency and asymmetry at the same time.

The flatter face is partly due to the lower jaw but the lack of cheek prominent contributes to it as well. There is where cheek implants would make a contribution.

I don’t see the type of eyelid asymmetry that is easily improvable by eyelid surgery.

Lack of brow bone projection is best treated by a brow bone implant placed through an endoscopic approach.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana