Are Jaw Implants Really So Likely to Get Infected?

I am considering going to LA for jaw implants, however I really don't know how safe they are. They are not cheap, so it would be a massive regret if it turned out they got infected and required removal, not to mention time consuming. I can't find too many cases of them online. Why are they not as common as other procedures? Are they really that likely to become infected？

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1 Doctor Answer | Asked by dibbler1989

Doctor Answers (1)
Community Comments (2)

Jaw implant infections

Afternoon, Fortunately, it is infrequent but it can occur. The literature puts your risk at anywhere from 1% to 4% depending on who's articles you're reading. In any case, simply look for a good Facial Plastic surgeon with experience in implants. If they become infected you'll find out in a few ways. 1) It's obvious within two weeks. Red, swollen, hot, pus. Obvious. Very rare. 2) Similar picture but milder and didn't seem... more

Chase Lay, MD

18 reviews

Bay Area Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.chaselaymd.com

Comments (2)

BobsRealSelf 22 Oct 2012

I got jaw implants in March of this year (2012) - MedPor Mandibular Angle Implants. It is now Oct 2012. Aesthetically - I LOVE them. However, one of the incisions in my mouth did not heal. A plane flight 3 weeks after surgery was the first sign of trouble - that whole side swelled up again the morning after the flight. After many courses of antibiotics and many removals of granulation tissue at the site of the incision - my dr has now recommended that I go under general anesthetic to have part of the implant removed. Would I do it again? I guess time will tell how much trouble this is going to be but I would say definitely yes because they have improved my look that much. On a side note - for two weeks after surgery I looked like a chipmonk and it was pretty rough going - can't just jump back into life right after surgery. Prepare to sequester yourself away for at least a week unless you are courageous and enjoy the stares.

dibbler1989 20 Sep 2012

Thanks very much for your response. The odds are only 1-4%. That seems really low. I hope it will be that low. You mentioned they will usually need to be removed? Do they not last forever? If they only last a few years, does the surgeon who did them offer to redo them again for free? Regards

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