Benefits of External or Internal Incision Site for Chin Implant?

My personal preference is the external incision.  The infection rate is lower (the mouth is impossible to completely sterilize), and implant positioning tends to be more favorable than with the intraoral approach.

This is a point of ongoing debate amongst plastic surgeons. I personally prefer to do my chin implants by using an external incision made just underneath the chin. I prefer doing chin implants in this manner because there is less chance of an infection occurring using this method. When you place a chin implant thru the mouth (internal incision), you cannot do so in a completely sterile manner. By definition, the mouth will always be contaminated with bacteria. If you are attempting to place a sterile implant via a non-sterile route, you will risk developing an infection and possible need to remove the implant. I don't think there is an credence in being able to place the implant any lower along the jawline using an internal approach. If anything, you would have an advantage coming from an external approach. Find a board certified plastic surgeon in your area who has plenty of photo examples of chin implant/augmentation and is willing to explain in detail their preferred method.

Chin implants can be undertaken through either intraoral or external incisions. The infection rate through the intraoral incision is slightly higher than with the external incision but still fairly minimal. With the intraoral incision you do run a slightly greater risk of changing the way that your chin moves but in some cases this can be advantageous. The external approach leaves a small scar on the chin but this is usually well hidden under the chin. In the end, there is no clear advantage to either and it comes down to surgeon and patient preference.

Both the submental and intraoral "sulcus" incision is good when done by experienced surgeon. The intra oral incision have a slightly higher incidence of infection.

As for positioning the implant that depends on the experience of your doctor.

Choose a BOARD CERTIFIED PLASTIC SURGEON ( AMERICAN BOARD OF PLASTIC SURGERY)

An external incision under the chin is preferable to the intra-oral route for several reasons.  With an external incision, there is lower risk of infection and the implant is less likely to migrate.  The implant is placed directly over the chin bone and once healed, does not require a screw to keep it in place. 

When placed through an incision under the chin, your surgeon is able to place the implant as inferior as the patient desires.   

Great question but it is a real personal decision. I prefer external due to the higher infection rates with the internal incision. Yes they is a scar but is under the chin so very hard to see it. 

A chin implant can be placed through an incision on the bottom of the chin or inside the mouth in the lower groove.  A chin implant is placed according to the bone structure and can be placed in the same position regardless of the incision site.

The main benefit is not having a scar on the outside skin.

Best Wishes

Dr. Peterson

I have done over 1000 chin implants in 30 years and over 95% have been by the external approach. The reason for this is the placement of the implant along the inferior border of the chin is much better via external approach. The implant is also more stable this way and tends not to drift upwards when healing. As a side the chance of infection is reduced. The 1 cm submental scar is very hard to find after 6-12 months