What is the best way to fix chin ptosis after chin implant removal?

Question

I had a rhinoplasty and was walked into having a medium chin implant in January 2015 via a submental incision. I had it removed 4 months later due to not liking how big my chin looked. I have undergone a submental chin tuck, and though there is slight improvement, I still feel like my chin tissue falls off the bone, when I talk and smile. Is there any assured way to secure the tissue more tightly so this does not occur? Are results likely to last? And do any doctors have expertise in this area?

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

Thank you for your question.  This is a tough issue.  The best treatment for a witches' chin is prevention, meaning the muscle should not be completely removed off of the chin bone during the surgery.  Correction is difficult and unpredictable.  There are some techniques that can be used to potentially improve the position of the mentalis muscle.  Best wishes

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.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

This is a very rare but difficult condition to treat. Sometimes chin lift and fixation in higher position (possibly using anchoring device) may help. Other option is direct excision of redundant tissue (skin, fat mostly) in the middle. Strangely enough, in those few cases that we have done this procedure leaves very fine vertical scar on the chin.You should seek a consult of an experienced board certified plastic surgeon in your area for detailed evaluation and discuss your options. Good luck.

What is the best way to fix chin ptosis after chin implant removal?

Answers (3)

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.

What is the best way to fix chin ptosis after chin implant removal?

Answers (3)

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.