Will the edges of the chin implant be palpable?

Question

I'm planning on undergoing a chin implant procedure. However, I've been wondering, if I place a large extended implant, will the end of the wings be palpable creating a sort of "step off"? And if so, to what extent?

Catherine Winslow, MD · Answer

Hello! Whether you can feel the edges depends on the type of implant chosen (firm implants such as medpor can be palpated more easily) and the thickness of your skin. Most people can find the edges of their implants- if they work hard at it. Most importantly, it is not a true step off but a tapered transition to your natural jaw. Good luck!

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Chin implants that fit you well should not be noticeable. The ends are tapered so that they meld onto the surface of the bone. However, if you press on your skin and tissues, you may be able to feel them. You will not notice them otherwise, nor will they be visible. I hope this helps.

Miguel Mascaro, MD · Answer

Great question.  Depends on the chin implant placed (whether its a pre jowl implant, or an extended anatomical, for example) as far as how much palpation there will be laterally.  Also, it depends as to how its placed. I personally like to trim and contour the implants to each individual, to minimize any palpation laterally or superiorly.  Also creating a good subperiosteal pocket ensures that you won't have any issues.  Best of luck!

Philip Solomon, MD, FRCS · Answer

Anatomic extended implants are designed to blend in with your mandible laterally.  The wings are not typically visible but you may feel a slight edge where the implant     ends.

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

The palpability of wing extensions on any chin implant are a function of their size, how well they are tapered and the thickness of your facial soft tissues. Most patients can feel the wings  of their chin implants to some degree.

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

I have not found this to be the case. Typically, it's very difficult to feel that tapered end of the implant even in cases where I know exactly where the implant tapers. As long as the implant is not over sized and is properly placed this should not be an issue. Best.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

There are many different sizes and shapes and manufacturers of chin implants, so it is very difficult to give an answer. In our practice, we use Implantech brand of solid silicone chin implants in the Mittleman style. These implants are the wraparound type that are tapered, therefore the edges are not palpable. For many examples, please see the link and the video below

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

Hi, I have performed many facial shaping procedures, including Chin Augmentation with dermal fillers or silastic chin implants, for over 30 years.  There are many different shapes and styles of chin implants.  I prefer the EAC (extended anatomical) which in my experience gives the most natural results (tapers on each side).  Typically a size Medium offers adequate forward projection with tapering sides that are quite difficult to feel.  Sizes large and beyond would obviously be much thicker, including the sides making them easier to feel. When the chin is weak, this creates an imbalance making the nose appear larger, the mid face top heavy, the lower face looks short, de-emphasizes the lips and allows early formation of a "double chin".  
 Proper placement of a silastic chin implant adds forward projection to the chin thereby creating harmony and balance to the lower face.  Using the same incision, liposuction can be performed to reduce the fat and further shape the neck.  Excess skin, from below the chin, can also be removed through the same incision.  
 I have found that placement of a silastic chin implant, through a small curved incision under the chin (also allows excess skin removal) to be very safe, quick, highly effective and far less invasive than a sliding genioplasty (requires extensive tissue dissection, bone cuts and placement of metal screws and plates to secure the cut segments of bone).  I perform chin implant surgery in 30 minutes or less, often using a local anesthetic alone. 
Hope this helps.

Will the edges of the chin implant be palpable?

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