The aesthetic correction of a retroclined or sloped forehead can be done by a variety of surgical techniques. Fat has become popular as an ‘easy’ injectable method of augmentation but it is important to remember that it is best used for soft tissue augmentation. In most cases forehead augmentation is a bony deficiency not a soft tissue one. Fat injections into the forehead can be unpredictable in terms of volume retention and smoothness so it is not a primary forehead augmentation procedure.
A variety of implant materials can be used in the forehead. Bone cements have a long history as a skull augmentation material including in the forehead. While effective their use requires a near coronal scalp incision for placement and is prone to irregularities and edge deformities. Their shape also depends on the surgeon’s artistic skills and being able to translate the patient’s aesthetic desires into a moldable shape.
All of the potential negative aspects of bone cements for forehead augmentation are eliminated by the use of a 3D custom forehead implant. The exact shape and edging of the implant are determined and made before surgery. The insertion of the implant is done through a much smaller scalp incision due to its flexible nature. Tissue ingrowth into the implant is fostered by the placement of numerous perfusion holes. The outer smoothness of the augmented shape is assured by its preoperative design.
A custom forehead implant offers a superior method of aesthetic forehead contouring in my experience. While it still requires accurate placement of its predetermined design, the number of variables that can lead to undesired effects is reduced by its basic concept.
Dr. Barry Eppley
Indianapolis, Indiana