Chin Implant Removal- When will my chin look normal again?

Question

I had a small central chin implant in for 4 weeks, got it removed, I'm now 12 days post-op. I still see the shape of the implant and my chin area feels "squishy". I know I'm still probably swollen, but how long will it take the tissue where the chin implant was "shrink" back down. I read that the empty capsule can give you more augmentation and I'm worried that is the shape that I am seeing and I'm worried my chin wont look the same as it was pre-op

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.

Evan Ransom, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the question. Having an implant in for only 4 weeks is not long enough to result in permanent changes to the skin or muscle, or even formation of the typical capsule (if the implant was silicone). In my opinion, you likely have some swelling. This should improve over time. Best of luck!

Majid Jamali, DMD · Answer

Usually when I remove the chin implant, I perform sliding genioplasty to maintain the shape. You should give it 1 more month and see if you like the results.

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD (retired) · Answer

You didn't mention your age, but having a small implant in for 4 weeks most likely will not change the shape of your chin.  At 2 weeks post-operative, you do have swelling which may account for the look.  I wouldn't worry too much.  Follow all doctors orders while healing.

Chin Implant Removal- When will my chin look normal again?

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