Will I Have Permanent Numbness From A Custom Forehead Implant?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I’m interested in a custom forehead implant as my brow should look much better with a bit more projection. My forehead has to much backward slope and it is narrow. Perhaps I would also need custom temporal implants or fat grafts, but I’m not sure. My biggest concert is that it looks natural and, for example it is not too curved towards the midline, mantaining a natural shape for the glabella, temporal ridges and orbital rims. I have also the concern for permanent numbness or long-term complications due to the implant material.

A: Thank you for your inquiry and in answer to your custom forehead implant questions/concerns:

1) Permanent forehead numbness is not a problem that I have seen in any patients who has reduced custom forehead or custom forehead-brow bone implants.

2) The key to having any custom facial implant achieve a natural look is to not overdo any of its dimensions. Getting a good shape is achieved through 3D computer design looking at all angles to ensure that it has a natural flow into the surrounding facial features.

3) I would need to see some pictures to do some computer imaging for a better idea as to the type of result you are seeking.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana