Implants provide the most definitive and sustained volume augmentation for temporal hollowing. Available in different sizes and thicknesses they are placed under the deep temporal fascia to exert their augmentation effect. Unlike other facial implants which are placed on bone and have a firm feel to them, temporal implants are uniquely different in that they are soft and made to feel like muscle onto which they are placed.
The softness of the temporal implant also provides it with another unique feature. It can easily have its shape modified so that it can fit through an incision smaller than either of its two dimensions. (length or width) This is relevant in an incision sensitive area where any signs of scarring are to be avoided. It is remarkable when comparing the incision to that of the implant how different in size they can be.
The flip side of folding the implant to get through such a small incision is that it must be unfolded once inside the pocket to be positioned. This may seem simple but the reality is once inside the pocket the implant is no longer visible. How to get it properly positioned as it was designed to get the desired effect is a learned skill that is more difficult to master than just getting it through the incision.
Dr. Barry Eppley
World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon