Does Doing Two Custom Facial Implants Extend the Preparation Time for Surgery?

Q: Dr. Eppley, We’ve discussed replacing my standard chin implant and jaw implants with a custom wrap around implant. I’ve also read your post on a juvenile-like Rhinoplasty done on a Hispanic woman and it seems like that is very similar to the structure of my nose. I’m not opposed to using a synthetic implant as well.

What is the timeline for a custom jawline implant? I would imagine creating the implant would take some time. If we did a brow bone implant at the same time, would it add additional lead time?

My goal with the jawline implant is only a smooth connection between the jaw and chin, not so much width.

I’ve also had silicone microdroplets injected into my nasal tip and bridge once by Dr. Kotler probably about 5 years ago. The results were underwhelming so I never continued with additional injections. I believe they may have migrated as I feel a small bump at the level of my nostrils. Would you be able to remove this?

A: In answer to your custom facial implant and rhinoplasty questions:

1) It takes about 4 weeks from the receipt of a patient’s 3D CT scan to go through the design and manufacturing process to arrive for surgery.

2) Multiple custom facial implants are done over the same time course and do not extend the time frame as stated in #1.

3) In the nose that lacks structure, the options are always rib cartilage or an implant which is determined by the patient’s choice.

4) In an open rhinoplasty permanent filler material can be removed. 

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana