Palatal mucosal grafts vs. infraorbital rim implant vs. cheek implant: what's the difference? (photos)

Question

I have a negative vector and eye bags. My cheekbones are underdeveloped so my eyes lack support which makes them look droopy. I also have eye bags. I will be going for lower blepharoplasty but ectropian is a massive concern so I've been told I also need canthoplasty + cheek support. Please clarify the difference between these three forms of lower eyelid support. Which one do I need? Thanks.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

You have a very mild issue that could be helped with a well done hyaluronic acid filler service. This will likely work for you for the next 20 years. The challenge is that these are fussy services and are hard to find done well. These undereye treatments are fussy and it can be very frustrating to find the right injector who knows what they are doing, are artful, and understand which filler is best (Restylane). The surgeries you are describing are not reliable and will permanent damage your eyelid and cheek. Whatever your concerns now, they will be so much worse when these surgeries harm you. Do not do this to yourself.

Tanya T. Khan, MD · Answer

To avoid ectropion, ask if your surgeon will use a trans conjunctival approach. This should be done by an oculoplastic surgeon. You will do well with just a lower eyelid blepharoplasty to remove fat and may want to do a lateral canthopexy as well. You have good baseline cheek volume but would advise doing filler to add some extra cheek dimension.

Bilgen Katipoglu Erenoglu, MD · Answer

Palatal mucosal grafts are mainly used for ectropion treatment (senile ectropion or post-blepharoplasty ectropion).Infraorbital rim implant support lower eyelid and help treat the negative vector. Cheek implants also support the malar region and help support this tissue upwards. 
However, these implants are foreign materials that may need to be taken out later for different reasons, so a more natural option must also be considered. 
An endoscopic midface lift and lateral canthoplasty (endoscopic or from upper eyelid incision) will solve these negative vectors and support cheekbone (malar fat pad) without the ectropion risk. A brow lift can also be done to enhance your results, that I find useful for the sides of your brows.

Palatal mucosal grafts vs. infraorbital rim implant vs. cheek implant: what's the difference? (photos)

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Palatal mucosal grafts vs. infraorbital rim implant vs. cheek implant: what's the difference? (photos)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Eyelid Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.