Forearm Implants

Q: Dr. Eppley, We had a Skype call a few days ago regarding forearm implants. You asked me to draw the part on my forearm where I would like it to be augmented. Please see the attachment and let me know what your opinion is.

A: Thank you for sending your desired forearm implant location picture. While I was initially skeptical when you discussed forearm augmentation of where that location would be, the area you have outlined is in fact,very safe for the placement of an implant. It runs longitudinal to some of the extensor forearm muscles and stops short of the wrist crease. It is in a location where there are no motor nerves or blood vessels of concern. In addition, although perhaps in just one forearm, you have a scar through which the implant could be placed.

Such a forearm implant is custom made based on measurements of the outlines area that you have shown. I would have the implants made with about 1 to 1.5cm of maximal thickness and with feathered edges at the perimeter. The implants would be placed in a subcutaneous rather than a subfascial location as there is on one single large muscle in that part of the forearm.

Dr. Barry Eppley
Indianapolis, Indiana