Custom Jawline Implant after V-Line Jaw Reduction

Q: Dr. Eppley, I had a jawline reduction surgery five years ago, but I think the surgeon may have trimmed the bone a lot. I don’t like the looks that the jawline is very high on the angle now. I want to have an implant that brings the jawline down just a little but without looking too masculine. I also don’t like bulky jaw angle. I want to have feminine jawline look. I’d like to know what are my options?

I would like to consult with you in detail. I have attached a photo of me and pointed out some problems that I would to fix. Both sides of my jawline are not even. When I had a chin implant, my left jaw always showed more depression then my right side (see the pic). Would the custom jawline make the jawline even again like the photo I photoshopped next to it? I would like to achieve that result. 

Some of the questions I would also like to know. 

1) what are the risks associated with the custom jawline? What is the longevity of the implant? What happens when I get old and my jawbone shrink, would the implant still be in place?

2) cost. When can I expect the implant be ready?

3) Recovery time

4) can I fly back home after the surgery?

5) how is the procedure performed?

6) is the implant reversible?

A: A 3D CT scan of your face will provide the definitive answer as to whether what you see on the outside corresponds to what the bone looks like on the inside. For the sake of this preliminary discussion we will assume that there are underling bony asymmetries/deformities and that their correction will create the improvements you seek. In answer to your questions:

1) A custom jawline implant is permanent and can not be come displaced from the bone with age. Its risks are the same as any other implant went placed in the body. (infection, asymmetry of placement, over/under correction)

2) It takes 30 days after the CT is received to have the implant ready for surgery. My assistant Camille will pass along the cost of the surgery to you later today.

3) Recovery is one you already know. It would be the same as the recovery from your jawline reduction surgery.

4) Most patients fly home 2 to 4 days after the surgery.

5) The implant is placed through incisions inside the mouth (at least in your case)

6) The implant is easily reversible.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana