This article was written by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Burak Sercan Erçin and is based on clinical experience. A specialist in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery; prepared in accordance with current medical literature and personal surgical data. A consultation is recommended before making any medical decisions.
The area directly beneath the eye is one of the most structurally telling regions of the human face. When the infraorbital rim — the bony border that frames the lower eyelid — is underprojected, the effects ripple across the entire midface: a hollow, tired appearance beneath the eyes, loss of cheek support, and a facial profile that can look aged or structurally weak regardless of a person’s actual age. For patients seeking infraorbital rim implants in Turkey, Istanbul has become one of the world’s most respected destinations for this precision procedure, combining surgical expertise, international hospital standards, and cost-conscious access under one roof.
Infraorbital rim augmentation was once primarily a reconstructive technique used after orbital trauma or congenital midface deficiency. Today it sits at the intersection of reconstructive science and aesthetic refinement, sought by patients who want structural permanence that fillers simply cannot provide, and increasingly, by men pursuing the strong, defined midface architecture associated with masculine facial harmony.
This guide explains what the procedure involves, who benefits from it, what the surgical process looks like at Assoc. Prof. Dr. Burak Sercan Erçin’s Istanbul practice, and why Turkey has become a serious destination for patients making this decision.
What Are Infraorbital Rim Implants?
Infraorbital rim implants are solid or semi-solid prostheses positioned along the infraorbital margin — the inferior ridge of the orbital bone that supports the lower eyelid and defines the transition between the eye socket and the cheek. The procedure, also referred to as infraorbital rim augmentation or sub-orbital implant surgery, is designed to project this bony ridge forward and downward, filling the skeletalised hollow that many patients notice beneath the eye.
The technique is distinct from standard cheek or malar augmentation, although the two are often combined. Where cheek implants address the prominent eminence of the zygomatic arch, infraorbital rim implants target the sub-ocular platform specifically, the area most directly responsible for the dreaded ‘hollow eye’ appearance, the negative vector lower eyelid, and the lack of support that causes under-eye shadow regardless of how much sleep a patient gets.
Implants are available in silicone and porous polyethylene (such as Medpor), and are shaped to conform precisely to the orbital rim anatomy. Surgical planning typically includes three-dimensional imaging to match implant size and projection to the patient’s skeletal structure.
The Anatomy Behind the Procedure: Why the Infraorbital Region Defines Facial Harmony
To understand why this procedure has become so sought after, it helps to appreciate what the infraorbital rim actually does architecturally. The orbital rim serves as the anterior bony scaffold for the lower eyelid, the tear trough ligament, and the upper cheek fat compartments. When this scaffold is sufficiently projected, the lower eyelid sits cleanly against the globe of the eye, the tear trough is shallow, and the midface has an elevated, youthful quality.
When the infraorbital rim is recessed, whether through genetics, ageing-related bone resorption, or post-traumatic change — the lower eyelid tends to fall away from the eye (a negative vector relationship), the tear trough deepens, and the entire midface appears deflated. Soft tissue fillers injected into the tear trough can address this superficially, but they cannot replicate the structural effect of a properly projected bony rim.
This anatomy also explains why infraorbital rim augmentation has a meaningful impact on the perceived openness and shape of the eyes themselves. By advancing the bony platform beneath the lower lid, the procedure can subtly alter the apparent tilt and shape of the palpebral aperture, a change that has significant aesthetic consequences in both men and women.
| Dr. Burak’s Clinical Note In my practice, the tear trough is one of the most commonly mismanaged areas in facial aesthetics. Many patients arrive having received repeated rounds of filler beneath the eye with diminishing returns, or worse, with filler migration and irregularity. In cases where the underlying issue is skeletal deficiency of the orbital rim, a structural implant is the correct solution, not a volumising one. The anatomy demands honesty: if the bone isn’t there, soft tissue volume cannot compensate permanently. |
Infraorbital Rim Implants and the Alpha Male Aesthetic
Among younger male patients, infraorbital rim augmentation has become one of the more sought-after components of alpha male facial surgery in Turkey. The reasoning is grounded in the same anatomical principles: a well-projected infraorbital rim creates the hunter eye appearance — where the lower lid sits high against the globe and the orbital area appears deep-set and defined rather than round and open-looking.
In the context of masculine facial design, the infraorbital rim forms part of a trio of structural features alongside the jaw and the brow ridge. When all three are well-defined, the face reads as structurally strong and architecturally complete. Infraorbital rim implants address the midface component of this framework and can be combined with jaw augmentation, rhinoplasty, or other facial procedures as part of a coordinated plan.
For patients already exploring alpha male plastic surgery in Istanbul, Dr. Burak’s approach to facial masculinisation treats the face as a coherent anatomical system rather than a collection of isolated features. The goal is always harmony — results that belong to the patient’s existing bone structure rather than imposing an artificial aesthetic onto it.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Infraorbital Rim Implants?
Aesthetic Candidacy
Patients who tend to see the most meaningful results from infraorbital rim augmentation share a common anatomical profile: a genetically recessed infraorbital margin, often accompanied by pronounced tear trough shadowing, a negative vector lower eyelid, and a flat or deflated midface appearance that has not responded well to non-surgical approaches. Good candidates are generally in good overall health, non-smokers or willing to cease smoking prior to surgery, and have realistic expectations about what skeletal augmentation achieves.
Typical aesthetic candidates include:
- Adults with persistent tear trough hollowing not attributable to fat or skin changes alone
- Patients with a recessed or flat midface seeking structural projection rather than soft tissue volume
- Men seeking the defined under-eye architecture associated with masculine facial structure
- Patients who have tried fillers in the tear trough region with unsatisfactory or short-lived results
- Individuals seeking combined facial implant surgery (orbital rim with malar or jaw augmentation)
Reconstructive Candidacy
The infraorbital rim has a significant reconstructive history. Patients who have sustained orbital floor or rim fractures — commonly from facial trauma, road traffic accidents, or sports injuries — may develop a structurally deficient rim during the healing process. Congenital midface underdevelopment, such as that seen in certain craniofacial conditions, also falls within the scope of infraorbital rim reconstruction. Dr. Burak’s background in complex reconstructive surgery means that these cases are approached with the same anatomical rigour as the most demanding aesthetic presentations.
Dr burak sercan ercin Cheekbones and Infraorbital implants conbined with canthoplasty
by u/New-Mission-3796 in jawsurgery
Infraorbital Rim Implants vs. Dermal Fillers: Structural Permanence vs. Temporary Volume
The tear trough is one of the most commonly treated areas with injectable fillers globally, and many patients considering infraorbital rim implants have already spent years managing the area with hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers. The filler-versus-implant question is one of the first Dr. Burak addresses with international patients researching this procedure.
Fillers in the tear trough work by adding soft tissue volume beneath the orbital septum, temporarily reducing the shadow created by the hollow. They are appropriate for patients with mild-to-moderate hollowing, good skin quality, and adequate underlying bony support. Results typically last 9 to 18 months and require ongoing maintenance.
Infraorbital rim implants address the problem at its structural source. For patients whose tear trough and hollow-eye appearance is driven by skeletal recession rather than fat loss or skin laxity, an implant provides a permanent foundation that no injectable can match. The implant advances the orbital rim itself, changing the geometry of the area rather than merely masking it. For the right candidate, a single procedure replaces what would otherwise be a years-long cycle of filler appointments.
A thorough consultation with Dr. Burak will determine which approach — or which combination — is clinically appropriate for a given patient’s anatomy and goals.
Implant Materials and Surgical Planning
Implant Material Options
Solid silicone implants are the most widely used material in infraorbital rim augmentation. They are biocompatible, stable over the long term, and can be repositioned or removed if necessary. Their smooth surface means tissue integration is limited, which some surgeons view as an advantage for reversibility.
Porous polyethylene (Medpor) offers a different profile: the open-pore structure allows fibrovascular tissue ingrowth, creating a more stable fixation that becomes integrated with the surrounding bone and soft tissue over time. This characteristic makes Medpor particularly useful in reconstructive cases where long-term skeletal stability is a priority.
Custom implants milled from CT scan data are also available for complex cases involving significant skeletal asymmetry, previous orbital trauma, or patients seeking a highly individualised result. Dr. Burak will advise on the most appropriate material and specification during the pre-operative imaging consultation.
Combining Infraorbital Rim Implants with Other Facial Procedures
Infraorbital rim augmentation is frequently performed in combination with related procedures for patients seeking comprehensive facial skeletal refinement. Common combinations include:
- Malar (cheekbone) augmentation: addresses the zygomatic eminence in tandem with the orbital rim for unified midface projection
- Lower eyelid blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery): addresses skin and fat considerations alongside the structural implant
- Rhinoplasty: restoring midface balance when the nose is also being refined
- Jaw or chin augmentation: for full facial skeletal harmonisation, particularly in alpha male or facial masculinisation cases
Combining procedures requires careful surgical planning and patient selection. Dr. Burak conducts detailed facial proportions analysis before any combination surgery to ensure each element reinforces the others rather than competing with them.
The Surgical Process: Infraorbital Rim Augmentation in Istanbul
Consultation and Pre-Operative Planning
For international patients, the process begins with an online consultation via Dr. Burak’s clinic. Three-dimensional CT imaging forms the backbone of surgical planning: it allows precise measurement of the orbital rim projection, identification of any skeletal asymmetry, and selection of the correct implant size and shape. Digital imaging tools allow patients to see a projected outcome before committing to surgery.
Pre-operative requirements include standard blood work, a medical history review, and cessation of blood-thinning medications and supplements for a prescribed period before the procedure. International patients travelling to Istanbul from the UK, UAE, or other regions typically arrive one to two days before surgery.
The Procedure
Infraorbital rim augmentation is performed under general anaesthesia or deep sedation, depending on the scope of the operation and whether it is being combined with other procedures. The surgery typically takes between 60 and 120 minutes as a standalone procedure.
Access to the orbital rim is most commonly achieved through a transconjunctival incision (through the inner surface of the lower eyelid, leaving no visible external scar) or a subciliary approach just below the lash line, used when simultaneous lower eyelid work is planned. The periosteum — the tissue directly covering the bone — is elevated to create a precise pocket along the orbital rim. The implant is positioned, confirmed for symmetry, and secured, typically with a small titanium screw or suture fixation. The incision is then closed with dissolving sutures.
The precision of this step is critical. The infraorbital nerve, which runs through the infraorbital foramen just below the rim, must be carefully identified and protected throughout the dissection. This is where Dr. Burak’s training in microsurgical anatomy — developed during his collaboration with world-renowned reconstructive microsurgeon Dr. Pedro Cavadas — becomes directly relevant to patient outcomes.
Recovery Timeline
Recovery from infraorbital rim augmentation is primarily centred on the lower eyelid region. Most patients experience swelling and bruising that peaks at days two to three and resolves substantially within two to three weeks. The following table outlines what international patients can typically expect:
| Timeframe | What to Expect | Key Guidance |
| Days 1-3 | Swelling, bruising around the lower eyelid area; mild discomfort managed with medication | Head elevation; cold compresses; avoid screen strain |
| Days 4-7 | Bruising begins to resolve; sutures (if external) reviewed at follow-up | Light walking permitted; no strenuous activity |
| Weeks 2-3 | Most visible swelling subsides; patients typically feel presentable in public | Dark sunglasses for sun protection; follow-up imaging if required |
| Weeks 4-6 | Return to normal activities; final implant position becoming established | Avoid contact sports; sleep on back |
| 3-6 Months | Residual tissue refinement; final aesthetic result visible | Full aesthetic assessment with Dr. Burak |
Most international patients travelling from the UK, Europe, or the Gulf region are advised to plan for a stay of 7 to 10 days in Istanbul. This allows for the post-operative review and clearance for flight, which is confirmed by Dr. Burak’s team before the patient departs.
Is Infraorbital Rim Implant Surgery Safe in Turkey?
This is the question international patients ask most consistently, and it deserves a direct, honest answer rather than reassurance that skips over the legitimate concerns involved.
Turkey is ranked among the top global destinations for plastic surgery by the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), which publishes annual statistics on procedure volumes by country. Turkish hospitals operating at the level of Pendik Medical Park where Dr. Burak works hold international accreditations that establish verifiable standards for surgical safety, infection control, and patient care pathways.
On the surgeon side, EBOPRAS (European Board of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery) certification is the gold standard for plastic surgery qualifications in Europe. It requires candidates to demonstrate a comprehensive surgical education, a significant volume of supervised operative experience, and a commitment to ongoing professional development. Dr. Burak holds EBOPRAS qualification — a credential that is recognised across the UK, Europe, and internationally as a genuine indicator of surgical rigour.
Like all surgical procedures, infraorbital rim augmentation carries risks that a surgeon should disclose clearly rather than minimise. These include temporary numbness in the lower eyelid and cheek (related to the infraorbital nerve), swelling and bruising, implant malposition requiring revision, and the general risks associated with general anaesthesia. These risks are not unique to Turkey — they exist in every surgical environment. What matters is the training and experience of the surgeon managing them.
For international patients, Dr. Burak’s team provides detailed pre-operative documentation, supported throughout by English-language communication, to ensure there are no information gaps between consultation and surgery.
| Dr. Burak’s Clinical Note International patients often carry the misconception that travelling abroad for surgery means accepting a compromise on safety. In my experience, the patients who take the decision most seriously tend to research their surgeon more thoroughly than many patients booking locally. EBOPRAS certification exists precisely to give international patients a credible, independent benchmark. I would encourage anyone considering this procedure anywhere in the world to ask their surgeon directly about their board certification and reconstructive training, and to expect a clear answer. |
Why Istanbul for Facial Implant Surgery? The Medical Tourism Case
Istanbul’s position in medical tourism is not built on cost alone, though the cost differential between Turkey and Western Europe or North America remains significant for most procedure categories. It is built on a generation of surgeons who trained in European and international centres of excellence and returned to practise in hospitals meeting international accreditation standards.
For facial implant surgery specifically, Istanbul offers patients access to surgeons with subspecialty training in craniofacial and reconstructive anatomy — a discipline that is directly relevant to orbital rim surgery, where understanding the three-dimensional bony architecture of the midface is not optional but foundational. The concentration of reconstructive expertise in Istanbul’s leading surgical centres is one of the factors that distinguishes the city from other medical tourism destinations that offer high volumes but shallower surgical depth.
Practically, international patients travelling to Istanbul benefit from direct flight connections from London, Dubai, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, and other major hubs, typically with journey times under four hours. The city’s infrastructure, international hotel and serviced apartment options, and the availability of English-language support from Dr. Burak’s patient coordination team make the logistics manageable for patients coming from the UK, UAE, Europe, and Australia.
Why Choose Assoc. Prof. Dr. Burak Sercan Erçin for Infraorbital Rim Implants in Istanbul
Infraorbital rim augmentation sits squarely at the intersection of reconstructive anatomy and aesthetic judgement — and Dr. Burak’s career has been built precisely at this intersection. His collaboration with Dr. Pedro Cavadas, one of the world’s most highly regarded reconstructive microsurgeons based in Valencia, Spain, shaped his approach to facial anatomy at a level of detail that most aesthetic surgeons never encounter. Orbital and craniofacial anatomy was not an academic subject for Dr. Burak — it was a clinical discipline refined through complex reconstructive cases.
As an EBOPRAS-certified surgeon and academic faculty member at Bahçeşehir University in Istanbul, Dr. Burak brings both the technical credentials and the institutional accountability that international patients reasonably expect. His 15 years of practice and more than 6,000 operations encompass the full spectrum from life-changing reconstructive work — including humanitarian surgical missions with the Turkish Ministry of Health — to highly refined aesthetic procedures.
His aesthetic philosophy is anchored in one principle: natural results that belong to the patient’s face. For infraorbital rim augmentation, this means implants sized and positioned to advance the orbital architecture rather than overcorrect it — changes that look structural rather than artificial. Patients interested in reviewing outcomes can explore the before and after results gallery on the website.
Defining Your Midface: The Case for Structural Surgery Over Temporary Fixes
The infraorbital rim is one of the face’s most structurally significant features and one of the least discussed in mainstream aesthetic medicine — which is precisely why patients seeking a permanent solution to under-eye hollowing, midface flatness, or the undefined periorbital appearance that no amount of filler has fully resolved tend to arrive at this procedure after years of exploring other options.
Three things are worth carrying away from this guide. First, infraorbital rim implants address a structural problem at the structural level — the only approach that produces permanent, anatomically correct results for the right candidate. Second, Turkey and specifically Istanbul offer a genuine combination of surgical expertise, international accreditation, and accessible logistics for patients travelling from Europe, the Gulf, and beyond. Third, the surgeon performing this procedure needs to understand craniofacial anatomy at a reconstructive level, not just an aesthetic one — and that combination is rare.
For patients considering this procedure, the starting point is an honest, image-supported consultation that maps the orbital anatomy and identifies the right intervention. That is precisely what Dr. Burak’s practice is structured to provide — for local and international patients alike.
Why Assoc. Prof. Dr. Burak Sercan Erçin
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Burak Sercan Erçin is an Istanbul-based Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic surgeon with more than 15 years of clinical experience and over 6,000 operations. He holds EBOPRAS certification — the European Board qualification in plastic and reconstructive surgery — and serves as academic faculty at Bahçeşehir University. His reconstructive training was shaped in part by a collaboration with Dr. Pedro Cavadas, one of the most decorated microsurgeons in the world, giving Dr. Burak a depth of anatomical knowledge that directly informs his approach to complex facial procedures including orbital rim augmentation.
Dr. Burak practises at Pendik Medical Park, Istanbul, and has undertaken international humanitarian surgical missions with the Turkish Ministry of Health. He has been featured in major media including Anadolu Agency. His work spans the full spectrum from reconstructive microsurgery to refined aesthetic outcomes, always guided by the principle that results should enhance what is already there — not replace it. International patients can learn more at buraksercanercin.co/md-burak-sercan-ercin/ or book a consultation via the contact page.
| Ready to take the first step? Dr. Burak welcomes international patients from the UK, UAE, Europe, and beyond. Arrange a personalised online consultation via WhatsApp (+90 533 433 52 50) or through the contact form at buraksercanercin.co/contact/. There is no obligation — only the information you need to make a considered decision. |
Frequently Asked Questions: Infraorbital Rim Implants in Istanbul
What is the difference between infraorbital rim implants and cheek implants?
Cheek (malar) implants augment the zygomatic prominence — the upper cheekbone that creates width and projection across the midface. Infraorbital rim implants target the lower orbital border specifically, addressing the sub-eye hollow and the geometry of the lower eyelid. Both procedures address the midface, but from different anatomical starting points. They are frequently combined when a patient needs comprehensive midface augmentation across both the cheekbone and the orbital platform.
Are infraorbital rim implants permanent?
Infraorbital rim implants are designed as long-term, permanent implants. Solid silicone implants can be removed or exchanged if a patient’s goals change, while porous polyethylene (Medpor) implants integrate with surrounding tissue over time, making them more stable but less easily reversed. Dr. Burak will discuss material selection and long-term considerations during the consultation.
Is Dr. Burak EBOPRAS certified?
Yes. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Burak Sercan Erçin holds EBOPRAS certification — the European Board of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery qualification — which is the recognised standard for plastic surgery credentialing across Europe and internationally. For international patients, EBOPRAS certification is one of the most reliable independent indicators of a surgeon’s training and competence.
How long do I need to stay in Istanbul after infraorbital rim surgery?
International patients are generally advised to plan for a stay of 7 to 10 days in Istanbul following infraorbital rim augmentation. This allows for the post-operative review appointment and formal clearance to fly, which Dr. Burak’s team confirms before departure. Most patients find swelling manageable enough for comfortable travel at this point, though sunglasses and sun protection remain advisable for several additional weeks.
Can infraorbital rim implants improve the appearance of ‘hunter eyes’?
Infraorbital rim augmentation can contribute to a more defined periorbital appearance by advancing the lower orbital border, which supports the lower eyelid and changes the relationship between the globe and the bony rim. For patients seeking masculine facial definition associated with a deep-set eye appearance, it is often considered as part of a broader facial masculinisation plan. Whether it is the right procedure depends on the individual’s specific anatomy, which Dr. Burak assesses through detailed imaging.
Does Dr. Burak offer online consultations for international patients?
Yes. Dr. Burak’s practice is structured to accommodate international patients at every stage, including a pre-travel online consultation via WhatsApp or video call. Patients can share their photographs and imaging, discuss their goals, and receive Dr. Burak’s clinical assessment before making any travel arrangements. Contact details are available at buraksercanercin.co/contact/.
What are the risks of infraorbital rim implant surgery?
As with all surgery, infraorbital rim augmentation carries risks that should be discussed openly. These include temporary or, rarely, prolonged numbness in the lower eyelid and cheek due to proximity of the infraorbital nerve, bruising and swelling in the periorbital area, infection, implant malposition, and the standard risks associated with general anaesthesia. Dr. Burak reviews these in detail during the consultation and explains the measures taken to mitigate each.
This content was written by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Burak Sercan Erçin in line with clinical experience and current medical literature. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. A personal consultation with Dr. Erçin is recommended for individual assessment.
Faculty Member · Bahçeşehir University
Graduate of Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Erçin completed advanced fellowships at Tampa General Hospital (USA) under Dr. Deniz Dayıcıoğlu in breast reconstruction and burn surgery, and at the clinic of Dr. Pedro Cavadas in Valencia, Spain in reconstructive microsurgery. After passing the EBOPRAS examination in 2018, he joined Bahçeşehir University as a faculty member and continues his private practice on Bağdat Avenue, Istanbul, specialising in face, breast and body aesthetics alongside complex reconstructive surgery.
