Orbital Implants

Q: Dr. Eppley, I have some questions about orbital implants. They are the following:

1. Does the zygomatic arch implant give more of that model cheekbone look?

2 a.Would the inferior orbital rims be augmented with a tear trough/infraorbital rim implant?

  b.Would the superior be augmented with a brow ridge implant?

3. Is there only one type of infraorbital implant? Or is there a customizable implant also?

A: In answer to your questions about orbital implants:

  1. The augmentation of the zygomatic arch back towards the ear does create a well defined facial feature that some may refer to as a model cheek look. It does seem to be an area of facial augmentation that provides a more angular facial appearance.
  2. a) Inferior orbital rim augmentation requires a complete infraorbital rim implant, not just one that augments the tear trough alone. b) A brow bone implant augments the superior orbital rim also known as the brow bone.
  3. There are no standard infraorbital rim implants, they all have to be custom made 

In short orbital rim implants are a unique collection of facial implants for which there are few standard shaped implants to treat this facial area. The role of custom implant design is usually necessary for most implant augmentations in this facial area.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana