What Is The Maximum Projection That Iliac Crest Implants Can Achieve?

Q: Dr. Eppley, what are the of outer limits of iliac implants projection from the iliac? how wide, long and thick can they be? (excuse me if my language is imprecise), what is the maximum longitudinal/axal/transverse length an implant can go from the iliac crest, and what is the maximum sagittal/ longitudinal width one can make a implant? what is the maximum thickness of the implant?  having been disappointed in the results from silicone hip augmentation, i want to make sure that this implant is more grounded and realistic on the actual results rather than my hopes.  as i said, i am tall an weigh close to 200lbs with a rectangle body type. although i have had my lower ribs removed for eventual corset training.  Unfortunately, I’ve had to learn the hard (and expensive) way that implants that might be dramatic or extreme on a petite or average female body, barely register on me. as i think I mentioned, my current silicone implants were the largest pre designed ones that the surgeon i went to offered, and would look exaggerated on petite/average bodies, but fell far short of what i’d hope on my body.  i have always aimed for something close to a ‘coke bottle/hourglass if not bottom heavy pear shape. so this extra information will help me decide if this is worth pursuing iliac implants, larger custom silicone implants, or a combination.  

Thank you for your help in advance.

A: I think when you look at your height and weight I am not surprised that just about every ‘standard’ implant used will make a negligible difference, particularly given your goals. The issues with hip implants, and I wlll classify standard hip implants (below the iliac crest) and iliac crest implants (at the actual iliac crest) as hip implants, is that the larger they go a significant increase in complications will occur. The hip area is particularly unique and challenging area to augment for a variety of reasons. Beyond 30mm of iliac crest augmentation and above 400cc hip implant volumes are really uncharted waters so to speak where few patients have ever gone. Uncharted waters does not mean one should never sail in them but everyone needs to be aware that lessons are often learned by doing so and I would prefer not to learn those lessons on actual patients if it can be avoided.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana