Where Exactly Are Temporal Implants Placed?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am interested in temporal implants. Anatomically speaking, can you please explain to me where exactly the temporal implant will be placed- I have a vision in my mind but it may not be accurate. Will the apex of projection be between the eyes, higher up near the brow ridge, or lower beneath the eyes. Also the size of the implant, vertically speaking, how much length does it typically occupy- I imagine 5 cms or so.

A: The temporal zone can technically be divided into five regions based on the its aesthetic problems and the procedures needed to treat them. But in your case I am only going to refer to zones 1 and 2. Zone 1 (the most common area augmented when treating temporal hollowing) is between the zygomatic arch and the mid portion between the vertical distance of the zygomatic arch and the anterior temporal line. (just above the eyebrow level) Preformed implants are placed beneath the fascial covering of the muscle (not directly under the skin) to augment this area from an incision way back in the temporal hairline. Zone 2 is the area between the top portion of zone 1 and the anterior temporal line and is rarely augmented this high unless one is looking for a completely smooth transition from the forehead and the temporal region which also implies one is looking for greater convexity/fullness in the upper temporal area. Such Zone 2 augmentations can be done with large preformed implants (although they will far somewhat short of the anterior temporal line) or custom temporal implants made to fit on top of the fascia. (subcutaneous location) The vertical height of the preformed temporal implants ranges from 4 to 4.5 cms.