Is it possible to have removal of chin implant covered by insurance? (Photo)

Question

I had my chin implant placed 5 years ago, intraorally. Not only am I unhappy with the way it looks, but it still causes pain and discomfort. When I smile it pushes my lower lip up causing it to look firm and unnatural. You can clearly see the outline of the implant when I smile which my plastic surgeon attributes to "strong smile muscles". I still have numbness on one side and often drool without noticing on that side. Lately, it causes pain when eating as well.

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

Chin Implant removal information/and considerations: For the vast majority of chin implants, removal is straight  forward most commonly using the  same incision that was used to place it. The procedure is often done in the office with local anesthesia with or without some sedation, but also commonly done in the OR under IV sedation or general anesthesia per patient's and surgeon's preference.  Most implants are silicone and are not adherent so slip out readily. Medpor, also called PTFE, may have tissue ingrowth and can be a bit more involved but still can be removed in the same manner.  It is very helpful for your surgeon to  review your prior surgical records to know the size and type of implant used. This may be obtained by contacting your prior surgeon's office or OR facility and request your prior surgical records.
Expectations: if the chin implant was small and removed within the first few years chances are likely that you will return a similar size and shape as before. If the implant was small, the chin soft tissue usually shrinks back down without  sagging.  Often, there is still some gain once the implant is removed due to the scarring and capsule (lining your body makes around the implant) that gives some benefit. On the other hand a large implant placed many years ago, and other factors such as being elderly, having osteoporosis and perhaps smoking that can cause loss of underlying bone due to  bony erosion from the pressure of the implant. In this case  use of a natural filler such your fat or at times a bone graft may recommended for different reasons. Your surgeon may request a  Panorex or lateral cephalometric x-ray to see if this is the case.  Temporary fillers can also be tried such as Jeuvederm, Sculptra, Voluma, Volbella, etc. 
Most important of all make sure you pick a plastic surgeon with great expertise in #chinaugmentation and #chinimplantremoval. 
See the below link on how best to choose your surgeon.

George Volpe, MD · Answer

Insurance coverage varies from company to company. Some insurances would cover the cost of removal of an implant if it is infected and a smaller number may allow removal if it is causing chronic pain. Most implants can be removed relatively simply and even if one's insurance does not cover it, it should not be relatively expensive is a procedure and can be done under local anesthesia in many cases. If one has pre-existing numbness, one would not expect this to improve in most cases.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Thank you for your picture. Insurance will not cover removal of your Chan and plant. Additionally, remove your implant may produce contour irregularities of your chin and  further worse in your lower lip function.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Not likely that any insurance will cover removal of implant. However, removal is simple procedure and should not cost much. You should have it removed if it causes such a discomfort.

Is it possible to have removal of chin implant covered by insurance? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Chin implant removal

Answer: Chin implant removal

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Chin Implant

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Is it possible to have removal of chin implant covered by insurance? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Chin implant removal

Answer: Chin implant removal

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Chin Implant

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.