Will Custom Jaw Implants Fix My Facial Asymmetry?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am interested in jaw implants to help correct my facial asymmetry. Although it is not noticeable to others,  if taking a picture straight-on and in certain lighting, it shows that my face is extremely asymmetrical. I was wondering if this would best be corrected with asymmetry surgery or could be corrected with customs jaw implants. Also- if corrective asymmetry surgery was performed, could you also add custom jaw implants at the same time to provide the most optimal facial makeover?

A: In looking at your pictures, your facial asymmetry is caused largely by a significantly deviated chin position. This has also has caused some jawline and jaw angle asymmetry although not as significant as that of your chin. There are two approaches to correcting your jaw asymmetry.

The first technique is to correct the chin by a sliding genioplasty that moves it back to the midline. Then the jawline and angles behind it could be augmented by standard jaw angle implants.

The second approach is to go completely with custom implant designs, leaving the chin bone where it is. Computer designing can make jawline-jaw angle implants for each side (that are obviously different but designed to create symmetry) that attach to the sides of the chin.

Either approach can make a big difference and each one has it advantages and disadvantages.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana