What are the effects of removing a chin implant? I had a facelift with a hard silicone chin implant in 1996.

If you have the chin implant removed, the empty area could create deformities of the chin that can look unflattering. In that situation you may find it beneficial to replace the implant with a smaller or different implant. Your profile should remain the same. Best to schedule an in-office consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss the positive and negative effects of the removal.Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

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. 

The chin implant has been giving you a support to your jaw line as well as around your chin. Suddenly this support will go and your chin may sag. Without examining, I won’t be able to guide you more. Consult a board certified plastic surgeon who can examine and advice you better.