Custom Jaw Implant

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am interested in custom jaw implants. I had a chin wing done 3 months ago and I am happy so far with the result, but not with the width of my jaw and the asymmetric. Is it possible to get this procedure done after a chin wing osteotomy? When could I get the surgery this year? How long do I have to stay after surgery?

A: It is possible to do a custom jaw implant after a chin wing osteotomy. I have done numerous such cases. The chin wing osteotomy provides no facial width, no posterior jaw angle vertical lengthening and often ends up asymmetric/irregular. I would wait until six months after the chin wing procedure to be certain you known exactly the dimensional jaw changes you want to achieve. A custom jaw implant will require a 3D CT scan for implant design. You have a very good knowledge of the recovery based on your chin wing experience. It would be similar to that although the amount of swelling may or may not be less.

I will have my assistant Camille pass along the cost of a custom jawline implant to you tomorrow.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana