Ultrasoft solid temporal implants are a permanent method of temporal augmentation. Placed on top of the muscle but under the deep temporal fascia the implant essentially augments the thickness of the muscle. To create different temporal augmentation effects a variety of temporal implant styles (standard vs extended) and thicknesses (4 and 6mm) exist.
But even with these different temporal implant options they may not be ideal for every patient’s aesthetic needs. As a result there are two options, a custom implant design or modify the existing standard implant options. Depending upon the patient’s specific anesthetic needs will determine which implant approach is best.
The standard temporal implant is designed to augment the lower half of the anterior temporal concavity by the side of the eye. But the standard temporal implant has 4mms of thickness which may be too much for more discrete forms of temporal augmentation needs. The standard temporal implant can be trimmed down by scissors between its radiating lines or the upper half of the extended temporal implant can be used (removing its bottom half). The upper half of the extended temporal implant is thin with a very tapered upper edge. As a result it fulfills the need for a subtle lower temporal augmentation effect which is usually in the 2 to 3mm range at most
For such thin temporal implants a remarkably small incision back in the temporal hairline can be used for placement (1cm incision length) The key is that the implant can be folded to allow it to pass through an incision length that is less that the diameter of the implant. While tenporal hairline incisions usually do very well and head discretely less of an incision length is always better than more.
Dr. Barry Eppley
World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon