The zygomatic arch is the part of the cheekbone that extends back to the temporal bone in front of the ear. It is a thin bone and serves and looks like a bridge, allowing the temporalis muscle to pass underneath it. It can be thought of as the side of the cheekbone. While it looks like a solid bone close inspection reveals a suture line in its middle, signifying it is formed by the union of the temporal process of the zygomatic bone and the temporal process of the zygomatic bone.
The word, ‘zygomatic’ is derived from the Greek word zygoma meaning bolt or bar….to join. The term has been used since ancient times and the arch part of the zygoma certainly joins the cheek to the temporal bone.
While this facial bony anatomy is interesting, it is relevant in aesthetics to the structural basis of the high cheekbone look. This often exaggerated look to the cheeks creates a distinct line along the sides of the face. It is often seen in many male and female models and is a desirous facial feature for many patients seeking an improved and more symmetric facial appearance.
While numerous styles of cheek implants are available, none of them are designed to actually create the complete high cheek bone look. While they all add increased volume to the zygomatic body, none has any extension back along the zygomatic arch…which is the key to high cheekbone look.
Zygomatic arch implants are designed to be used alone or in conjunction with standard cheek implants to create the high cheekbone look. These implants help to create an augmentation ridge from the cheekbone below the side of the eye back to in front of the temporal bone in front of the ear. Their posterior lengths can be adjusted to either stop in front of the temporal hairline or go back further into it.
When placing zygomatic arch implants it often takes more implant size than one would think. More than a few millimeters in height and width are needed in most cases.
Dr. Barry Eppley
Indianapolis, Indiana