Will Brow Bone Reduction Make My Eyes More Prominent?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I wanted to know if during brow bone reduction will the top of my eye socket orbit be addressed as well to better define and make my eyes pop a little more? Could the protrusion of my forehead upper and mid section be burred down also as the bulging extends beyond the sinus region. Lastly could the chin bone be chiseled down horizontally using the inner incision approach and a slight bit of vertically?

A: During brow bone reduction surgery, it is possible to also reduce the horizontal projection of the brow bones. This is not a standard part of the operation but can be done at the same time. This does involve freeing up the supraorbital and supratrochlear nerves from the lower edge of the brow bone so that it may be reduced. That does create the increased risk of some permanent numbness of the forehead with the stretching or manipulation of these nerves. Simultaneous forehead bone reduction through a burring techniques can also be done with no increased risk.

While the chin bone can be reduced both vertically and horizontally through an intraoral approach, this is usually not a good idea as it will likely create chin ptosis due to the soft tissue excess. (the tissues do not shrink down so where does the excess go?) These types of chin reduction are best done from a submental approach as the excess soft tissues can then be managed (reduced) as well. (submental tuck)

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana