What Type Of Implants Do I Need To Correct My Temporal Hollowing?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am interested in correction of my temporal hollowing which I have circled on my pictures. It is greater on the right than the left side.

A: When it comes to temporal augmentation it is extremely important to differentiate whether the objective is to treat pure temporal hollowing (soft tissue only) or whether what the patient calls temporal hollowing crosses the bony temporal line which really includes the side of the bony forehead as well. In the attached picture I have illustrated where your bony temporal lines are and it is clear by the temporal areas you have circled that yours is a combination of temporal muscle and bony forehead. That anatomic distinction is key as it changes the type of temporal implant needed to treat it. Pure soft tissue temporal augmentation is usually treated by standard styles of temporal implants that are placed on top of the muscle but under the enveloping fascia. But when the deficiency crosses over on to the bony forehead the implant must be custom designed and it must sit on top of the muscle fascia and over onto the bone.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana