Introduction

Temporal fossa depression can occur due to various reasons, such as aging, muscle atrophy, or surgical procedures. It can affect a person's appearance and self - confidence. In New York City, there are numerous institutions that offer solutions for temporal fossa depression filling. This article aims to explore the rankings and cases of these institutions to help patients make more informed decisions.

Understanding Temporal Fossa Depression

The fullness of the temporal area is considered a sign of youth and health. As the aging process progresses, the temporal fossa tends to lose its typical convex appearance and turn into a depressed area. According to the clinical study of hundreds of patients, 3 grades of temporal atrophy were described, taking into account the relation between the tissues of the temple and the eyebrow tail. Grade 1 indicates an initial change of the shape in the temporal area, which becomes flatter even without the presence of an hollow. In grade 2, an hollow starts to appear, with a distance between 0 and 3 mm from the most depressed point of the temporal fossa to the tangent line passing through the tail of the eyebrow. In grade 3, the concavity is further evident with a discrepancy of more than 3 mm between these landmarks (I Done, F., et al., 2020).

Common Techniques for Temporal Fossa Depression Filling

Hyaluronic Acid Fillers

Hyaluronic acid fillers are an important tool for face rejuvenation and volume restoration. They have become a popular choice for temporal fossa depression filling due to their safety and relatively short recovery time. A high - cohesivity (2.6 N.s) hyaluronic acid with a high g’ (290 Pa) is often used. The ideal plane of implantation for hyaluronic acid in the temporal fossa is between the superficial and the deep temporal fascia, a technique called “interfascial by cannula implantation” (ici technique). This plane is an avascular area, reducing the risk of complications such as vascular or nerve injuries.

In a study from 2017 - 2020, 57 patients were treated with hyaluronic acid filler implantation using the ici technique. A retrospective study on 50 patients (7 excluded due to incomplete photographic documentation) showed that all the patients reported a high score of satisfaction according to the global aesthetic improvement scale scale evaluation. No major complications were detected, and neither ecchymosis nor swelling were documented (I Done, F., et al., 2020).

Patient - Specific PEEK Implants

Temporal hollowing can also be a common complication following the rotation of the temporalis muscle. Patient - specific polyetheretherketone (PEEK) implants have been used to prevent temporal hollowing after maxillary reconstruction with a temporalis muscle flap. PEEK is a strong and thermoplastic material, and its elasticity and energy - absorbing properties are closer to the bone compared to titanium.

A prospective study was conducted on eight patients with major maxillary defects indicating the need of reconstruction with a full temporalis muscle flap. Patient - specific PEEK implants were fabricated using virtual planning and milled from PEEK blocks. The surgical procedures were uneventful for all patients, and the esthetic result was satisfactory, with only one patient experiencing seroma that resolved after serial aspiration (Ali, S., et al., 2022).

Ranking of Institutions in New York City for Temporal Fossa Depression Filling

General Considerations for Ranking

When ranking institutions for temporal fossa depression filling, several factors are considered. These include the experience and expertise of the medical staff, the range of available techniques, patient outcomes, patient satisfaction rates, and the institution's reputation in the medical community. US News provides rankings for hospitals in various specialties, including psychiatry, which can give some indication of the overall quality of the hospitals in New York City.

Top - Ranked Institutions and Their Strengths

It should be noted that while these rankings are based on psychiatry scores, institutions with high overall quality often have well - trained medical staff and advanced facilities, which can also be beneficial for temporal fossa depression filling procedures. For example, New York - Presbyterian Hospital - Columbia and Cornell, being nationally ranked in multiple adult and pediatric specialties, likely has a comprehensive medical team that can handle complex cases related to temporal fossa depression.

Real - World Cases in New York City Institutions

Cases of Hyaluronic Acid Filler Treatment

There are many cases in New York City institutions where hyaluronic acid fillers have been used to treat temporal fossa depression. Patients with grade 2 and grade 3 temporal atrophy often seek this treatment. In a typical case, a patient in their 40s or 50s presents with visible temporal fossa depression due to aging. The medical team first assesses the patient's condition, including the depth of the depression and the patient's overall health.

Using the ici technique, a high - cohesivity hyaluronic acid filler is injected into the interfascial plane of the temporal fossa. After the treatment, most patients experience a natural - looking improvement in the fullness of their temporal area. The recovery is usually quick, with little to no swelling or bruising. Follow - up visits are scheduled to monitor the patient's satisfaction and the long - term effects of the treatment.

Cases of PEEK Implant Treatment

In cases where patients have undergone maxillary reconstruction with a temporalis muscle flap and are at risk of temporal hollowing, patient - specific PEEK implants can be used. For example, a patient who has had a major maxillary defect reconstruction at an institution in New York City may receive a PEEK implant. The surgical team first performs preoperative computed tomography (CT) for assessment and virtual planning.

The PEEK implant is then fabricated to match the patient's anatomy. During the surgery, after the temporalis muscle is transferred, the PEEK implant is fixed in place. In most cases, patients are satisfied with the esthetic results, and post - operative complications are rare. However, in some cases, like in the study mentioned earlier, seroma may occur but can be resolved with proper treatment (Ali, S., et al., 2022).

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Institution

Medical Staff Expertise

The experience and expertise of the medical staff are crucial. Look for institutions where the doctors are well - trained in the latest techniques for temporal fossa depression filling. Surgeons who have performed a large number of these procedures are more likely to have better outcomes and be able to handle any potential complications.

Range of Available Techniques

An institution that offers a variety of techniques, such as both hyaluronic acid fillers and PEEK implants, gives patients more options. This allows the medical team to choose the most suitable treatment based on the patient's specific condition and needs.

Patient Outcomes and Reviews

Check the institution's patient outcomes and read reviews from previous patients. Positive patient testimonials and high satisfaction rates are good indicators of the quality of care provided by the institution. You can also look for before - and - after photos of patients who have undergone temporal fossa depression filling at the institution.

Cost and Insurance Coverage

The cost of the treatment is an important consideration. Different institutions may have different pricing for temporal fossa depression filling procedures. Additionally, check if your insurance covers the treatment. Some insurance plans may cover the cost if the treatment is deemed medically necessary, such as in cases of post - surgical temporal hollowing.

Conclusion

Temporal fossa depression filling is a specialized field in cosmetic and reconstructive medicine. In New York City, there are several top - ranked institutions with experienced medical staff and a range of techniques available for treating this condition. The use of hyaluronic acid fillers and patient - specific PEEK implants has shown promising results in real - world cases. When choosing an institution, patients should consider factors such as medical staff expertise, available techniques, patient outcomes, and cost.

If you are considering temporal fossa depression filling, take the time to research different institutions in New York City, consult with multiple medical professionals, and make an informed decision based on your specific needs and circumstances. Share this article with others who may be interested in learning more about temporal fossa depression filling in New York City.