Temple Implants

CONSULTATION

Meet with Dr. Apostolakis to discuss your goals and create a tailored treatment plan.

PROCEDURE

Temple implants are placed by making an incision behind the temple hairline above the ear. The incision itself is about ½ inch long, but it may be up to 1-inch long. Hair is not shaved, it is simply parted along the incision line during surgery. The incision is closed with sutures at the end of the procedure, not staples. The implant itself is placed directly on top of the temporalis muscle, which is one of the muscles used to chew. There is a natural layer on top of this muscle that, once entered, requires no cutting. It is simply “swept” open. This is a natural layering, so opening it for placement of the implant creates minimal trauma, which is the reason there is typically no bruising and almost no swelling.

ANESTHESIA OPTIONS

Patients are able to choose between local anesthesia only, or intravenous (IV) sedation for their procedure. Local anesthesia involves around 10 seconds of pain as the anesthetic reaches the tissues. The advantage to local anesthesia — alone or in combination with a “valium” pill — is the minimal recovery from anesthesia after the cosmetic procedure ends. Another advantage to local anesthesia is that a patient is awake and able to view different size implant test fittings during the procedure using a mirror. On the other hand, IV sedation allows the patient to sleep throughout the entire procedure for an anxiety-free and pain-free experience.

RECOVERY

This procedure rarely results in extensive pain. However, some patients find the snug head dressing a bit uncomfortable. Patients wear an elastic band for 4 days following the procedure, which can be removed while bathing.

Activity after the surgery is limited. Patients may move about at will but should abstain from any sort of strenuous activity. Eventually, patients can slowly begin to participate in activities that involve the pulling of the neck and shoulder area, such as tennis, golf, weight lifting, etc. Driving should be limited, as it requires excessive neck movement.

The incision lines are visible for the first few months but can be disguised with makeup. Patients typically experience numbness in the cheek and neck area that can last for several months. While subtle swelling can persist for about six months, the bulk of the swelling will subside within six weeks.

RISKS

Risks that could potentially occur with this surgery include:

• Excessive bleeding
• Infection
• Anesthesia complications
• Nerve injury
• Numbness