Custom Midface Implant

Q: Dr. Eppley, I have a couple of questions regarding the custom midface implant that we have previously discussed. Firstly I would want the implant to cover the whole midface including the  infraorbital area and extend to the sides of my eyes. However I have previous history of hypertrophic scarring and I am not sure whether just a intraoral incision would suffice or whether an external scar by the eyes would be required. It is the under eye area of my face which I am mainly concerned about.

Secondly I have very minor nasolabial lines and I was wondering whether the custom midface implant could treat these and stop them becoming worse in the future as I age?

Many thanks as always.

A: Such a midface implant design would be placed from incisions inside the mouth only. Getting the implant up and around the infraorbital nerve is always the challenge, and is what accounts for some temporary numbness after the surgery, but can be done through the technique of an infraorbital split implant method. Augmenting the paranasal region can only help the nasolabial lines but any improvement should be considered a bonus and not a expected outcome.

Dr. Barry Eppley
Indianapolis, In