![kingofkings](/data/avatars/l/32/32799.jpg?1723385494)
kingofkings
Banned
- Joined
- Jul 22, 2023
- Posts
- 639
- Reputation
- 1,106
I once believed that hydroxyapatite paste/granules had the potential to be a superior alternative to facial implants, specifically on the cheekbone area. However, after consulting with several surgeons, I learned the following information:
- Accurate placement of HA on the cheekbones is challenging. Partly due to the difficulty of access and partly due to the material itself
- There is a risk that HA can settle unevenly, appearing lumpy. This is a problem both aesthetically and also in terms of your health, as it could lead to irritation of the soft tissue (redness, swelling or even infection)
- Surgeons often apply HA with a lack of precision, essentially "slapping it on and hoping for the best." Thus, it is not suitable for detailed shaping.
- It's also not ideal for large alterations. It's not like with filler where you can get away with putting a ton of it on the destination site.
- Removing HA is difficult, as it integrates rapidly and almost permanently into the bone. Surgeons may struggle to completely remove it, often having to scrape it off.
- Bear in mind there are different HA pastes out there with new ones having better qualities than the older ones
- What it is decent for, is as a second-best substitute when autologous bone isn't available and you want to bridge an osteotomy step-off or notch. It's also a tiny bit better on the jaw compared to the cheekbones, as access there is easier
Hopefully this helps anyone who searches for information on this topic
- Accurate placement of HA on the cheekbones is challenging. Partly due to the difficulty of access and partly due to the material itself
- There is a risk that HA can settle unevenly, appearing lumpy. This is a problem both aesthetically and also in terms of your health, as it could lead to irritation of the soft tissue (redness, swelling or even infection)
- Surgeons often apply HA with a lack of precision, essentially "slapping it on and hoping for the best." Thus, it is not suitable for detailed shaping.
- It's also not ideal for large alterations. It's not like with filler where you can get away with putting a ton of it on the destination site.
- Removing HA is difficult, as it integrates rapidly and almost permanently into the bone. Surgeons may struggle to completely remove it, often having to scrape it off.
- Bear in mind there are different HA pastes out there with new ones having better qualities than the older ones
- What it is decent for, is as a second-best substitute when autologous bone isn't available and you want to bridge an osteotomy step-off or notch. It's also a tiny bit better on the jaw compared to the cheekbones, as access there is easier
Hopefully this helps anyone who searches for information on this topic