How Can I Best Do Jawline Augmentation?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I have an average jaw and chin. I was wondering if the off the shelf implants would suffice, or if the custom chin wrap would be more fruitful. I would love to consult with you and compare options. I have included pictures for computer imaging.

 Thank you,

A:I have done some initial jawline imaging which should be interpreted as follows:

‘The purpose of computer imaging is frequently misunderstood by patients. Computer imaging is done to help determine what the patient’s aesthetic goals are. It is a method of interactive visual communication between the patient and surgeon to help establish what your specific goals are. Your task is to evaluate this initial imaging and determine what you like and don’t like about it. Then I adjust the imaging to make it the way the patient wants it. This then establishes the aesthetic target from which I design the operation to try and achieve.’

There are significant aesthetic outcomes, risk considerations and cost differences between the use of 3 standard implants and a one piece custom implant approach to jawline augmentation. But when you break it down to the most simplistic level there is one and one reason only that a patient may choose standard implants over a custom designed one….cost. The use of standard implants has inferior aesthetic results and a higher risk of implant placement asymmetries.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indian