I'm having a Chin implant. Will the incision and scar be visible & obvious?

Question

Dear doctor, I am really confused. Willing to make a chin implant,however, i want the incision to be from outside trying to avoid infection but reallly worried about the scar .. Will it be visible & obvious?? And can it be removed by laser??! the surgeon suggested a genioplasty but i don't know why i fear it!! I feel like it's a serious, big surgery.. more money.. bone cut & probably my family won't agree... is the scar a real issue!?? I am not willing at all to make inner incision thankyou very much

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Although both approaches are acceptable, there is greater chance of infection and injury to the chin muscles using the intraoral approach. I prefer the external incision. It is about a one inch incision placed near the chin crease and in most barely perceptible once healing has taken place.

Afshin Parhiscar, MD · Answer

Dear Joainne FahdAn important part of a surgical procedure is for the patient to have a good understanding of the relevant facts about their procedures and options so they can weigh the risks, benefits and options and make well informed decisions.Chin implant surgery and sliding genioplasties have a series and risks and benefits. If you dont want the external scar, (and yes it can never be removed) an introral approach is a safe and great alternative. If you are not a good candidate for chin implant and should get a sliding genioplasty, then either dont have the chin implant or do the right procedure. you will regret the wrong procedure in the long term. In my opinion, consultation with more than one surgeon is often a good way to gain insight and make better decisions. Board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery should be a minimum requirement.

Raymond E. Lee, MD · Answer

Thanks for posting your question. Any surgical incision is a cause for anxiety. Its normal to worry about but all plastic surgery incisins are well planned and placed to minimize them to the greatest extent. A chin implant can be performed either through an incision inside the mouth or outside underneath the chin. I predominantly use the incision under the chin for the lower risk of infection and better positioning  This incision is strategically placed in or near the sub mental crease aka the natural wrinkle under the chin. It is a thin small horizontal incision that hides also in the shadow of the chin. When healed it should not be noticeable.  With an experienced surgeon you should have little to worry about.

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

The submental incision for a chin implants should be about 1.5 cm. at longest. It is the type of scar that heals really well in this location and you should have no fear of poor scarring with it when well placed and closed.

Keith A. Marcus, MD · Answer

If you opt for an external approach for the chin implant, there will be a small scar in the submental area.  The scar is usually just about an inch long and ends up being a fine line.  Any time you make an incision there will be a scar but the scar usually heals exceptionally well in this area since there is not a lot of muscle movement to pull the scar as it heals.  Lasers, microneedling, dermabrasion, massage, scar gels, steroid injections and more can all be ancillary procedures which help the scarring process.  Your surgeon will take you through the best ways to improve the scar if it is noticeable.  Good luck!

William Portuese, MD · Answer

In our practice, we place all chin implants through a sub mental approach, not intra-oral approach to prevent infection. The incision underneath the chin is usually about half an inch long and  usually heals very well in that location. Chin implants are composed of Silastic, are manufactured in a variety of sizes and shapes, and are inserted under local anesthesia as an outpatient surgical procedure.

Sheldon S. Kabaker, MD FACS (retired) · Answer

A chin implant is a relatively simple and reversable way to have a stronger chin. The scar is rarely a problem.

Richard W. Fleming, MD (retired) · Answer

The scar under the chin heals very nicely and is barely visible because of its location. I don't remember ever revising this scar in over 25 years of placing chin implants. If you or your surgeon are dissatisfied it can be improved with an easy revision.

I'm having a Chin implant. Will the incision and scar be visible & obvious?

Answers (8)

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