Custom Jawline and Cheek Implant Postop Asymmetry

Q: Dr. Eppley, I had custom jawline and cheek implants placed about five weeks ago. I have noticed some asymmetry of my cheeks and chin although my doctor said the implants are positioned perfectly. How soon would you recommend to revise it and how can I tell the exact location of the implants? I am wondering if the asymmetry of the chin is due to the lack of any screws used to secure it.

A: In answer to your custom jawline and cheek implant questions:

1) First and foremost every patient needs to wait until three months after the original surgery before ever doing a revision. It takes a full three months for all the tissues to settle and you want to give the tissues to to recover. Too early intervention may result in an incision that does not heal so well the next time.

2) If you want to know the precise location of your implants, and not guess about it, get a 3D CT scan. That will end all the speculation about it. It will provide unequivocal visual assessment of their placement.

3) As for your chin I usually place two screws to prevent rotation. But I defer to #2 above which will answer the implant positioning questions, screw location etc.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana