Can a porous chin implant be removed without complications?

Question

I had a chin implant surgery done like almost a year ago. The doctor said the tissues will grow into the implant but it's without the screws. So I got it done, it all went well. But the problem is I don't like how it looks on me now. It's too wide for me and makes my face too big and manly. I want to get it removed. I'm just scared of the complications cuz my parents are really scared something could happen and they didn't allow this in the first place...

Lucian Ion, FRCS · Answer

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Thank you for your question.

Porous polyethylene implants can be removed and as long as the chin tissues are supported with one or two stitches the shape returns to the original of very close to it.

One of the problems with planning chin implant surgery is related to the difficulty in understanding the three-quarter view and to some degree the front view. Because of this 3D imaging and simulation is help you make a decision about what works best for you.

You could also try to have the implant reshaped. In order to make a decision about this, a 3D photograph would be helpful. On such a photo you can evaluate the impact of narrowing the implant but maintaining the projection. This will lead to a different relationship between the chin implant cheekbone on the three-quarter view a different appearance of the chin from the front.

With this in mind, the chin implant could be removed shapes down in the appropriate areas and replaced to create a shape that needs more aligned with your expectations.

Michael P. Morrissette, DDS, FACS · Answer

A porous chin implant can be removed but not as easily removed as a silicone implant. The tissue ingrowth must be removed, often requiring incising around the implant. There are motor branches of the 7th nerve in this area and there is a risk of injury to one of these nerves. The second potential issue is the soft tissue space created by the implant may not return to normal. Some rippling of the soft can occur. You may benefit from a simultaneous sliding genioplasty to maintain the integrity of the soft tissue. I recommend that you return to your surgeon or find a surgeon who performs a lot of chin surgery.

Stephen Prendiville, MD · Answer

The simple answer is that it is usually quite difficult to remove a porous implant.  That is one of the reasons that I never use them!  Make sure that you have information on the type of implant if you are seeing someone other than your original Surgeon.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

There is no doubt that removal of porous chin implant is more difficult than removal of smooth silicone implant; there may be more bleeding and postoperative swelling but that should not be a reason not to remove it. You should talk about this in person with a board certified plastic surgeon who has experience with chin implants. Good luck.

Jacob Tower, MD · Answer

Hello, hope you are well. The short answer is 'yes', the implant can be removed safely without complications. It would be useful but not essential to know the exact implant that was used if that information can be obtained. In any case, it is generally a straightforward office procedure to remove a chin implant.
Best,Dr. Tower

Lexie Wang, MD · Answer

Hi! You should be able to ask your surgeon or at the very least the office the specific type of implant you received (they are required to keep records of this) and then find out if it is something that can be easily removed. I have never heard of chin implants that are not screwed in that have difficulty with removal but I admit I am not familiar with every kind of chin implant out there in the world. Good luck!

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Porous implants are more difficult to remove then those made out of solid silicone.
One option you may want to consider is for the surgeon to modify the implant without removing all of it.
If it’s simply too big, it may be the implant just needs to be reduced in size.
I suggest you follow up with the provider who plays the implant or have a few in person consultations with other plastic surgeons in your community.
Sometimes listening to our parents advice is a good idea.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

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