Chin implant placed too low during revision surgery

My original chin implant was placed too high and it was too big for my face (wings were unnecessary). The doctor agreed to fix it. Instead of putting a new smaller implant as we discussed, during the operation, the doctor decided to re-use the old implant w/o wings (can he do that?!). He now placed it too low, contrary to our discussion. The lower part of my face looks long and flat, with projection down, not forward. What are my options? Any chance the implant will get pulled up during healing? Thanks!

Read my review "Chin implant + revision, still not happy with low placement"

4 answers to “Chin implant placed too low during...”

A: Okay to reuse the implant only if he can shape it.

Christopher L. Hess, MD

If the implant was too large and too high in the first place it's not totally unreasonable to reuse it but only if the surgeon can remodel it to the exact size and shape that you need.  It doesn't sound like he could.  I might have been more appropriate to use a new implant that is to the... more

A: Chin implant revision surgery

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

The use of the previous implant is a reasonable option. If you desire a different shaped implant,  the style, shape, size and costs should be discussed prior to surgery. If this was the case, and a decision was made to deviate from this approach, you should understand the reasons for this... more

A: Revision Chin Implant surgery.

Eric M. Joseph, MD

I'm sorry you're not happy with your revised chin implant. I don't think it's unreasonable to reposition or reshape an existing implant. I don't think that replacement is the only option. Your chin will not likely get "pulled up" during the healing process, as gravity has a tendency to bring most... more

A: A little hard to answer

Robert Frank, MD

Its a little hard to answer some of your questions without looking at you but here are a couple facts. Doctors frequently trim the size of implants to give us the exact projection or shape we want. Reusing your old with modifications is widely accepted. I would talk with your surgeon about your concerns and be... more

Comments

didntwantsu
10 posts
26 Jun 2009

Thank you, Dr. Joseph. At which point, in your opinion, is it reasonable to reposition or reshape existing implant? Now I'm 9 days post-op, the swelling is almost gone, but one side of the implant is sticking out. Is the change something that can be done ASAP, or is it best to wait and let everything heal before trying to get it right again? Thank you very much for your time and attention.

didntwantsu
10 posts
29 Jun 2009

Dr. Hess, I did pay for the new implant, and the doc refunded my money after the surgery because he he decided not to use the new implant. Thank you for your opinion, it makes sense.

didntwantsu
10 posts
29 Jun 2009

Dr. Frank, thank you for your advice. The thing is that we agreed with my doctor to use a smaller implant, and he decided to re-use the old one because it wasn't infected, and it was ultimately bigger than the one that we agreed on. Now that the swelling is coming down, one side of my implant is sticking out of my face, so this is turning out to be more nightmare-ish than I thought... Thank you for your support.

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