What Type of Cheek and Jaw Angle Implants Should I Get?

Q:  Dr. Eppley, I am interested in getting cheek and jaw angle implants. My jaw angles are very steep which got worse after jaw surgery for a bad bite several years ago. My cheeks have always been flat and I get Radiesse in them which makes them look better. Can you tell me what types of implants I should get and what are some of the complications that could happen that I should be aware of. I have attached some pictures for you to see what my face looks like.

A: Thank you for sending your pictures. I have reviewed all of them. The key to your successful facial implant surgery is to have appropriately-sized implant selections. For the cheek area, you would benefit by implants but they must be small to not overwhelm your feminine face. Small malar shell style would work well for your face. For your jaw angles, you need implants that provide some vertical lengthening but minimal width increase, otherwise you will create a wider fatter face and not a nice jawline enhancement that fits your face. Small Medpor RZ angle implants (3mms width and 10mms length) should work nicely, but no bigger.

Implants should be placed that fit the face. As it turns out cheek and jaw angle implants are the most highly revised of all facial implants. The problem with many cheek implants is that they are too big. The problem with many jaw angle implants is that they are improperly positioned and/or secured.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana