I think I learned the hard way that implants are not the way to go. I had custom malar and infraorbital rim implants (silicone) with Dr. Yaremchuk two years ago, and although other people can't tell, I think they look sort of grotesque. The soft tissue sits strangely on them. There are so many things that are off about them. I look different, not better.
I really want to have them removed before I have double jaw surgery (is there any reason to have double jaw surgery first, and then remove the implants later? I'm conflicted about this.) I'm scared of the excess skin that will be left over, but hopefully the double jaw surgery will stretch it out.
I just wanted to chime in with some insights I've developed from my own experience. I think infraorbital rim augmentation wasn't right for me, even though the whole midface was recessed, because I also have small, deep set and somewhat close set eyes, and a prominent brow ridge. The implants make my eyes look even smaller and more deep set. I don't know if this means that (if that were possible surgically) my eyes should also be brought forward in a midface osteotomy, as in the whole orbital complex (a Lefort III doesn't do that, right?).
Another thing I wanted to say is that the risk of bone erosion is not as high as some of you guys think. It really only happens if the implant moves a lot, micromovements too. It's an issue with improperly secured chin or cheek implants. They should always be screwed in. Also, custom implants like mine attach perfectly to the bone underneath so they don't move at all.
Honestly my goal now is to have a class I skeleton, and f**k the midface. It was always my jawline that bothered me and not the midface. I can live with it. And I can always wait a couple decades for midface osteotomies to improve.
