Will Paranasal Implants Improve My Lack Of Facial Fullness?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I just finish reading an interesting piece on your website regarding paranasal implants and premaxillary implants.  I am seriously considering having this procedure done you since you seem to be the resident expert in this field. While I am aware the difference between a premaxillary implant versus a paranasal implant, I couldn’t decide which one of the two would I need, or  if I need both. I personally felt that my midface is a little flat. I have had rhinoplasty done before with the hope to fix this issue and while it did improve my feature, but not to a point that I satisfied with.  I’ve attached a few photo of my profile for your reference. Hopefully after looking at them, you would be able to determine which of the two I need.

A: Paranasal implants and premaxillary implants are very close cousins as they are implants that augment the pyriform aperture area. The front of the pyriform aperture is the premaxilla where the implant is placed across the anterior nasal spine. Its principal effect is to open up the nasolabial angle as it pushes out the upper lip/base of the columella. The sides of the pyriform aperture is below the sidewalls of the nostrils where it joins the cheek skin and is where a paranasal or side of the nose implant has its effect. It builds up the base of the nose by pushing out this area to reduce its concavity. These implants can be used independently or in combination.

With your natural facial profile and shape, a combined parasnasal-premaxillary implant would help complete the effect that you thought you would achieve with your initial rhinoplasty.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana