I'm considering a chin implant removal after 2 months, will the sensation come back?

Question

I received a large silastic chin implant and I've been numb on the lower right lip and chin ever since. I don't feel any tingling unless I pucker my lips like a kissy face, and even then it's faint. I can feel the implant through my gums (there's a ridge there underneath my molars). My PS says it's my own bone, but I don't think so. I also feel discomfort and mild pain when I talk a lot on the right side. For doctors here, has removing the implant improved these symptoms for past patients?

Michael P. Morrissette, DDS, FACS · Answer

Temporary sensation loss after chin implant placement is possible and generally resolves with time. The implant should not be palpable through the mouth. Considering the fact that you still have sensation loss and you are concerned about the implant position, I would recommend a CT of the implant to assess the implant position. In some cases, the implant can migrate and needs to be re-positioned. Follow-up with your surgeon and express your concerns.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

It is impossible to know for certain if your sensation would return on the right side after removing your 2 year old chin implant.  If the nerve had been damaged during placement of the implant, then it is possible that the sensation might not return.  If the implant is just causing some irritation to the nerve, then it is likely that the sensation would return after removing the implant.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

If the nerve is stretched by the size of the implant, you may be able to recover function by having the implant removed.

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

If the loss of sensation is due to compression of the mental nerve by the implant you have a good chance of having sensory return. The sooner the implant is either removed or repositioned the better. If there is any question about where the implant is sitting a 3D CT scan of the lower jaw can make that determination and eliminate any guessing.

Eric YK Li, MD · Answer

Maybe.  It depends on whether the nerve injury was caused by the original procedure, or is being stretched by the implant.  If the implant is actively irritating the implant, then removal is likely to improve your symptoms.

I'm considering a chin implant removal after 2 months, will the sensation come back?

Answers (8)

Answer: Chin Implant and Lower Lip Numbness

Answer: Chin Implant and Lower Lip Numbness

Answer: Chin implant and numb lip

Answer: Chin implant and numb lip

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Everything you need to know about Chin Implant

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I'm considering a chin implant removal after 2 months, will the sensation come back?

Answers (8)

Answer: Chin Implant and Lower Lip Numbness

Answer: Chin Implant and Lower Lip Numbness

Answer: Chin implant and numb lip

Answer: Chin implant and numb lip

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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.