Your Questions
Your Questions
Q: I am interested in getting a complete mandibular implant and would like to know an approximate cost.
A: When people use the term, complete mandibular implant, their objective is to enhance along their jawline from the angles to the chin. To achieve that look, there are two different approaches. These different methods affect how the procedure is done and the cost. The first approach, and the most common, is to use three separate implants. This includes off-the-shelf chin and jaw angle implants placed through a submental and intraoral incisions. That total cost averages around $8500 to $9500. The other approach is a custom one-piece implant that is made off of a 3-D CT scan taken from the patient. It may or may not be put in as a one-piece implant but it is completely customized to the patient’s jaw anatomy and aesthetic desires. That total cost is in the range of about $15,000.
Dr. Barry Eppley
Indianapolis Indiana
Q: I am requesting male masculinization including cheek and jaw implants. I want a “wrap around” jaw implant with a very good cleft in the chin portion.. I would like a widened, elongated and very distinctive jawline angle and very shapely square chin, preferably the most square chin implant. I would also like that fine line of distinction between the lower part of the jaw implant and the chin implant. A line that is located on the sides of the mouth maybe about an inch from the corners giving the jaw and chin a very strong look when implants are placed together. I’m hoping this can be accomplished by using a “wrap around” implant without too many additional implants. Can this be done and with what type of implants? I have attached some photos for you to see my jawline.
A: When it comes to your jaw, I understand what you want to achieve as far as jawline enhancement is concerned. While your jawline and chin is by no means weak, it appears you want it to be more pronounced. When it comes to doing a complete jawline enhancement or ‘wrap-around’ augmentation, there are two fundamental implant approaches. The first is to use three or a triple implant approach. This would be a chin and two jaw angle implants. The weakness or flaw to this approach is that the union of the wings of the chin implant and those of the front edges of the jaw angle implants is a weak contour area. It is never filled in as well as the chin and jaw angle prominences, particularly when the chin is more square in design and the jaw angle are more pronounced. The other approach is to make a custom jaw implant as a one-piece unit. (even though it may be put in as two separate halfs and combined in situ) This avoids the body of the mandible contour defect from the triple implant approach. Its one drawback is that this is a more expensive method as the custom implant has to be made off of a 3-D mandibular model prior to surgery.
Dr. Barry Eppley
Indianapolis, Indiana
Q: Hello Dr. Eppley, I am interested in having a stronger structured jawline. I have been wanting this and am now prepared to have this done. I am tired of seeing a round fat face and with your expertise I think I can get the sculpted jawine that I have always desired. Here are some pics of myself and pics of jawlines that I want to look like. I think my jawline needs to be built up with a chin and jaw angle implants. Let me know what you think.
A:Thank you for sending your pictures. I have reviewed them and done some realistic computer imaging. My comments are as follows:
1) A big reality check is needed here. You can not get to or look like any of those examples. You have a completely different anatomy and skin and fat thickness of your face. While an admirable goal, it is not realistic. You can be improved and maybe end up about halfway between where you are now and those examples. All I can do is take what you have and make it more defined as much as possible.
2) A square chin implant will help the front of the jaw. Your chin needs to come forward and down to become the leading point of your face.
3) You need aggressive neck and side of the face liposuction with removal of your buccal fat pads. As much facial defatting needs to be done as possible.
4) I do not think that jaw angle implants will help you. You don’t need a wide lower jaw in the back. It is plenty wide, you need better definition of what you already have. Jaw angle implants will just make your face look fatter with no better definition.
Dr. Barry Eppley
Indianapolis Indiana