Do I Need Temporal Augmentation Or Temporal Reduction?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am interested in some type of temporal plastic surgery. As you could see from my pictures my temples are not symmetrical. Even though I was born with my temporal muscles having a natural arch, an injury on the left side tore that muscle At least that’s what I hypothesis. What are your thoughts, regarding an operation that will make my skull shape even again? Thanks for your time.

A: What I am seeing is that you left temporal region is larger than your left which is most likely due to a difference in the size of the muscles in that area. This can be approached by two different types of surgeries depending upon which side of your head you like the best. If you prefer the bigger left side, then a temporal implant  can be placed from behind the ear under the muscle to make it bigger. If you prefer the right side, then a temporalis muscle reduction would be needed to make that muscle smaller through a vertical incision in the temporal hairline. Or if you don’t like the bulging on either side, then the temporalis muscle could be reduced on both sides.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana