Will A Custom Infraorbital-Malar Implant Prevent Future Cheek Sagging?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I’m interested in custom midface implants, infraorbital malar implants, zygomatic arch process… etc. Whichever best suits my face. My midface is flat, cheeks sit low, and my under eye area is droopy. I want a fuller midface, higher cheeks, and support for my under eye area. A more youthful and prettier heart shaped face. 

My questions are: 

What is the estimated cost of custom implants like these? 

Will they help support my cheeks from future sagging? 

How much downtime is needed during recovery? 

My age is 24, and I can provide pictures for reference. 

Thank you.

A: Thank you for your inquiry. By your description it sounds like you need an infraorbital-malar-maxillary implant design to which I can make the following general responses to your questions:

1) My assistant Camille will pass along the cost of the surgery to you later today.

2) Such an implant will provided enhanced soft tissue support that will help decrease cheek sagging that would otherwise occur more severely without such added support.

3) Downtime from almost any facial surgery is primarily related to the postoperative swelling and its impact on your appearance. Most patients needs at least 10 to 14 days if not longer until they may feel more comfortable being in public. But the total resolution of all significant swelling really takes 6 to 8 weeks to occur at a minimum.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana