Is A Gap Created Between Implants And The Bone As The Face Ages?

Q: Dr. Eppley, What happens to the space created between old, unchanged facial implants and aging facial bones? Do the human face “fill in” this space to establish continued stability? Atrophy of muscles, bone, etc. is characteristics of aging. A gap is created.

A: The concept of aging facial bones, often spoken about, is actually largely over stated. It is one of those theories that sounds correct since the body does age and atrophy is part of many other body structures but in facial bones it does not really occur in that dramatic fashion. Facial bone atrophy is somewhat of a ‘truism’ meaning it just sounds like it should be true but the reality is it isn’t in the way atrophy is typically perceived. Until a single patient has a 3-D CT scan taken on their face from infancy to old age you can never validate what actually happens to the facial bones with aging.

Thus the concept that a space is created between the bone and an implant, or a gap is created between the two, simply does not occur in an age-related manner. Understanding what actually happens requires a biologic understanding of the encapsulation process.

Dr. Barry Eppley

World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon