Integrated Forehead and Temporal Augmentation Using 3D Printing-Assisted Methyl Methacrylate Implants

Abstract

Background Achieving aesthetic results with forehead augmentation procedures remains challenging. We have developed a method of integrated forehead and temporal augmentation using a three-dimensional (3D) printing-assisted methyl methacrylate implant. Objectives The study objective was to assess the importance of combined temporal augmentation when performing forehead augmentation. Methods We identified 34 patients (from 2000 to 2010) who underwent forehead augmentation with a methyl methacrylate implant contoured in situ during surgery and 41 patients (from 2010 to 2016) who underwent integrated forehead and temporal augmentation with a prefabricated methyl methacrylate implant. We conducted a retrospective chart review of patient data including operation time, complications, and instances of revision surgery. Two blinded plastic surgeons scored the aesthetic results of the operations on a 4-point scale (1, poor, to 4, excellent) based on preoperative and posttreatment photographs. Results The integrated augmentation method resulted in a lower frequency of posttreatment implant removal (one [2%] vs. six [18%]; P