Jaw angle implants done external rather then intra oral. Will scarring be bad? Risks? And photo's of past patients scars?

Question

I had jaw implants twice now and they have got infected both times on each side intra-oral. I really like the look but don't want to risk intra-oral again. I am thinking of having then re-done external with incisions on the neck. I was wondering if any doctors had experience or advice about jaw angle implants done this way and/or pictures from past patients with the neck scars.

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

Jw angle implants can be done through an external incision. The incision would be the same as that for fixing jaw angle fractures known as a Risdon incision. This incision is done roughly two finger width below the jaw angles in a more natural skin crease. The length of that incision would be based in whether the implants are silicone or Medpor. Silicone implants can be done through a shorter neck incision.

Gerald Wittenberg, MSc, DMD (retired) · Answer

The 'extraoral' placement of jawline implants is very feasible given the acceptance of a curved scar just behind  and below the 'angle' of the jaw. The location is not right at the angle shadow since there are 'nerves' to worry about and so the incision is more visible. However, it is very narrow and 'blends' into a neck crease (as one ages). The risk of infections is much lower.

Jaw angle implants done external rather then intra oral. Will scarring be bad? Risks? And photo's of past patients scars?

Answers (2)