Aesthetic augmentations of the face has been done for decades using standard implants for the chin and cheeks primarily. But other preformed implants also exist for the jaw angles, nasal, paranasal and tear trough areas although they are less frequently done. The widespread use of injectable fillers and patient awareness has made these less frequently used facial implants more do today.
But the real game changer in facial augmentation surgery is the use of 3D implant designing. This allows not only a custom fit for each patient, but of equal and potentially greater significance, the ability to make designs and create facial changes that heretofore were not possible. This is easily seen in the jawline where a one-piece wraparound implant can have a much greater effect on facial change than any combination of standard chin and jaw angle implants.
Similarly custom designing of cheek implants allows for extended designs that cover the infraorbital rim and zygomatic arch areas for a more profound and confluent midface augmentation effect. This is just as powerful for the midface as custom jawline implants are for the lower third of the face.
But when two custom facial implants are put together the maximal facial augmentation effect is seen. Most commonly this is a combination of custom cheek and jawline implants. By combining the three triangulation points on each side of the face (cheek-chin-jaw angle), the major facial prominences are increased. This is a common combination for many male patients who seek to create maximum angularity and definition to their face.
Unlike standard cheek and chin or jaw angles implants it is easy to see how much more facial bone surface area is covered. Thus it is not surprising that their effects are more substantial.
The best effects from such combinations of custom facial implants is going to be in naturally thinner faces. But in some rounder and fuller faces the stretch of the implants can help deround the face a bit even though greatly improved facial skeletal landmarks may not occur.
Dr. Barry Eppley
Indianapolis Indiana