Chin Implant Complication: Witch's Chin

Witch's chin deformity may occur with any form of dental or plastic surgery around the chin. The mentalis muscle becomes loose from surgery or implants, resulting in a pointier or bulbous chin. The skin and soft tissue of the chin sags or droops.

While, witch's deformity may occur spontaneously, either congenital or from aging, more often it's due to dental or jaw surgery. Incisions that are intraoral (inside the mouth) or external (under the chin) may cause the deformity. Chin implants and augmentation, or replacing implants are also a risk.

Although relatively uncommon, having a plastic surgeon recognize the risk helps to manage and prevent the chin deformity from occurring, or treating the deformity.

Depending on the exact cause of the chin deformity & degree of deformity, some treatment options are potentially available. Chin issues after implants may be possibly be treated with revision plastic surgery and/or injectable material. Implants may be removed or revised. Muscle or soft tissue may be treated.

Only after a comprehensive evaluation can a plastic surgeon help determine what, and if, any treatment would be appropriate for chin implant complications.