What Is The Best Shape For Chin And Jaw Angle Implants For My Face?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am interested in getting a chin implant as well as jaw angle implants. I had a couple of questions I was hoping to get answered: 

– Are you currently open for virtual consultations and procedures during coronavirus? 

– For your implants, is the material used made of silicone? 

– I see that there are many different shape options for the implants, how is the best shape for my face determined prior to the procedure? 

– I would need to come from out of town, what is the recommended length of stay to handle both the procedure and all follow up appointments after the procedure, and how does acquiring the pain medication post-procedure work? 

I’ve attached a profile image to confirm that the 2 procedures I’ve mentioned are doable and whether or not you would recommend them.

A:Thank you for your inquiry and sending your chin augmentation imaging. In answer to your questions:

1) My surgery center has been open since May 30th.

2) As you may know there are multiple materials available for both standard chin and jaw angle implants as well as a custom jawline implant. (solid silicone, porous polyethylene and PEEK) Each has their advantages and disadvantages and it is up to the patient with my education guidance to make a selection that suits them the best.

3) Computer imaging is used to determine the patient’s aesthetic goals. A side view picture alone is inadequate to do so. It requires at least a front, side and three quarter view pictures to use imaging to determine what you like and don’t like. From that information the implant style and size are selected for standard implants or designed for custom implants.

4) All preoperative evaluations are done virtually, patients usually come in to meet me the day before surgery, most patients return home 1 to 2 days after the surgery and all followups are done virtually.

5) Pain and antibiotic medication prescriptions are provided before surgery of which the pain prescription has to be filled in state.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana