Where Is The Incision Placed For Temporal Reduction Surgery?

Q: Dr. Eppley, how long does temporal reduction surgery usually takes? And is it done with a scalpel or shaver? I´m curious because of the incision size you know, one thing is the head narrowing but on the other hand its scar after.

And is it only a partial resection of temporalis muscle? Isn’t it necessary – to smooth out with bone cement in case that hollowness might occur? 

And if I am right – does the partial temporalis resection look like this?

A: In answer to your temporal reduction questions:

1) The usual surgical time is 90 minutes.

2) Temporal muscle removal is done by a combination of elevators and electrocautery.

3) The incision is limited to the postauricular crease on the back of the ear.

4) Postoperative hollowness has not been a problem due to the eventual atrophy of the cur edges of the remaining muscle left behind.

5) A more accurate reflection of the cut line and the amount of muscle removed can be seen in the attached diagram.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana