Orbital Rim Implants?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am interested in orbital rim implants. I am 23 years old with severe depressions under my eyes. I’ve had them since I can remember. I’ve tried everything. Special vitamins, creams, makeup, nothing works. I also have dark colors as well. I am more concerned with the depressions though. You can cover up color, but not hollowness. I went to see a local plastic surgeon and he basically told me nothing could be done. “Try our cream, and makeup” is basically all they said is necessary. I am tired of looking this way. How much does the implant surgery cost? I am so desperate. Thank you.

A: When it comes to infraorbital hollowness/tear troughs, this is an anatomic problem of either lack of soft tissue volume or inadequate bone projection.  These are most commonly treated today through the use of temporary injectable fillers. In my opinion, however, these should only be used a trial method to see if soft tissue voluminazation would be effective. They are certainly not a long term strategy particularly when ine is very young and this is a congenital anatomic issue.

Longer-term surgical treatment options would be either the use of injectable fat grafting or infraorbital rim implants. (sometimes called tear trough implants although these are not necessarily the same) Each has their role and the choice between the two would depend on what your depressions under the eyes look like. I would need to see some pictures of your eyes to make a more definitive recommendation.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana