How Much Difference Can Temporal Reduction Surgery Make?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am a 26 year-old male from Europe. I have a major concern about the proportionate shape of my temples, specially above ears. The muscle in the region is very thick and also the bone is protruded to large extent which makes heads looks very big. So I have decided to contact you as I can see you are the only one having expertise in this area of plastic surgery.
I have some questions regarding this:
1) How much muscle can be reduced..does this involves any risk?
2) How much muscle can be reduced?
3) How about narrowing the width of the forehead near the hairline?
4) Will this make considerable changes in my appearance?
5) What will be the recovery time?
6) What will be the cost of the surgery?
7) Iit possible to come for consultation and surgery once as coming to US twice will not be feasible?

A: In answer to your questions about temporal reduction surgery:

1 and 2) Usually the entire posterior belly of the temporalis muscle above the ears is removed. This constitutes a thickness of at least 5 to 7mm per side, sometimes even more depending upon the thickness of the muscle. I have seen temporalis muscle as thick as 10mms in some patients. Removal of this portion of the temporalis muscle causes no functional loss of jaw movement or any other disability.

3) Reducing the temporalis muscle near the eye and just below the forehead is a different matter than that at the sides of the head. This muscle can not be surgically reduced. It must be treated with Botox injections if any reduction in thickness is to be achieved.

4) Changing the convex shape of the head above the ears to more of a straight line (and hence narrowing the head width) is seen by those so afflicted as providing major improvement in their concerns.

5) Temporal reduction surgery has a very quick recovery time with little discomfort and minimal swelling. The change in temporal appearance is immediate.

6) I will have my assistant Camille pass along the cost of the surgery to you on Monday.

7) There is no need to come initially for a consultation. All before surgery discussions etc can be done by e-mail or Skype video. You would only need to come for the surgery and could return home within 48 hours after the procedure.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana