Customized Infraorbital Rim Implant
Patients with relative deficiency of the lower orbital rim bone and cheek bone (“congenital maxillary hypoplasia”) have appearance of sunken under eye area and cheeks with lack of malar projection, often with negative orbital vector anatomy with appearance of bulging eyes and sometimes with negative canthal tilt with sclera show and appearance of sad, tired eyes, which has occurred developmentally. These patients may benefit from customized infraorbital rim implant (extended tear trough implant) or customized infraorbital-malar silicone implant which helps create a more chiseled facial appearance or angular “model” look with high defined cheekbones with minimal under eye hollowness with more neutral or even positive orbital vector. Dr. Taban can also combine this with other procedures (as deemed necessary in one surgery) such as:
- Customized cosmetic orbital decompression for the treatment of prominent or bulging eyes.
- Lower eyelid retraction surgery with canthoplasty to create more almond-shaped and upturned or positive canthal tilt eye shape with elimination or reduction of sclera show; also known as “almond eye surgery.”
If necessary or desired, Dr. Taban can combine your implant with upper eyelid procedures such as upper eyelid ptosis surgery and upper eyelid filler injection (to reduce upper eyelid exposure with more hooded eyes) or perhaps it can be combined with upper blepharoplasty in patients wanting more upper eyelid exposure instead.
With a single, combined surgery, patients enjoy a more convenient and efficient experience. Whenever we can eliminate the need for multiple surgeries, that is a plus.
Each patient’s anatomy and desire are different, which means a custom treatment plan is critical for success. The procedure should fit the patient, not the other way around. Of course, beauty comes in different shapes and forms and the patient has to desire such changes. Every patient should consult with Dr. Taban to discuss their aesthetic goals, risks, and outcomes. You can read more about eye shape by following this link.
Infraorbital Rim Implant Technique
These are very specialized procedures that require extreme expertise. The eyes are very important and delicate parts of the face. The technique of orbital rim implant placement is critical in achieving safe and effective results.
Dr. Taban uses a scarless transconjunctival approach with the incision INSIDE, not outside, of the lower eyelids. This avoids damage to the eyelid function and eye shape, with much quicker healing.
Dr. Taban often treats complications (from other surgeons) who have performed this procedure with different techniques. These other techniques sometimes result in disastrous results such as lower eyelid retraction and scaring (see testimonial video from young man below).
Another major advantage of transconjunctival technique is that it can be combined with other procedures in one surgery (as deemed necessary) such as customized cosmetic orbital decompression surgery and/or lower eyelid retraction surgery with canthoplasty (almond eye surgery) for those wishing to change or enhance their eye shape while also seeking more defined facial/eye features and angularity; therefore it tremendously makes it more convenient and efficient and safer for the patient as it eliminates the need for multiple operations at different times (Buccal at removal can also be done concurrently in those who could benefit from it.).
Implant Type and Fixation
The type of infraorbital-malar implant and method of fixation are also very important. I only use solid silicone implant which is inert or nonreactive and I use fine sutures to fix it (with direct visualization via the eyelid). Solid silicone is permanent as it never has to be changed in the lifetime although it can be removed rather easily if desired as no tissues stick to it. Other implants such as Medpor have much higher risk of eyelid scarring and eyelid malposition; complications are even worsened if using metal screws for the fixation.
Below you will see several examples of patients who underwent customized infraorbital rim silicone implant placement, often combined with other eye plastic procedures.
Transgender female underwent customized infraorbital rim implant surgery (including tear trough area)
27 year old transgender female, underwent eye transformation almond eye surgery including lower eyelid retraction surgery with canthoplasty, infraorbital rim silicone implant, orbital decompression bulging eye surgery, and upper eyelid filler injection. Before and 1 month after surgery photos are shown.
Woman who was unhappy about her eye shape and eye asymmetry, underwent eye plastic surgery including cosmetic bulging eye orbital decompression, infraorbital rim silicone implant, lower eyelid retraction surgery with canthoplasty, right upper blepharoplasty and left upper eyelid filler injection. Note more almond shaped and symmetric eye appearance in the after photo taken 1 month after almond eye surgery.
CONTACT THE LOS ANGELES OCULOPLASTIC EXPERT
Dr. Taban is one of the leading oculoplastic eye surgery doctors in the LA region. Contact us via online support form, or via telephone at: (310) 278-1836
Next, read about the lower blepharoplasty surgery.