Can Temporal Arteries Reappear Long Term After Ligations?

Q: Dr. Eppley, On Dr Eppley’s website, it states that there has to be an immediate effect with arterial ligation but that the real test is what it is like 3-6 months after the surgery. With previous cases, has the appearance of a visible pulse been completely eradicated or is the appearance of it diminished? I don’t suppose he has any before and after results he could show? I also wondered what ‘presumably, secondary vessel ligation or inflow recruitment does not occur’ means.

A:Most patients have near or complete eradication of the visibility of the artery long term.  A few patients (3 to 4 patients over the years) have had some recurrence years later, not as visible as before, but some partial return. I have no long term results from most patients as they never come back just to show me how good they are doing. This is the bane of an international practice, nobody is seen again physically unless they have issues. But the one thing about having a virtually based practice is I will definitely hear about by email or text if they have concerns.

Dr. Barry Eppley

World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon