Chin implant needs to be replaced?

Question

I have been told by a doctor that once I get a chim implant I might have to get it replaced every 5-10 years because your chin will tend to recess back a little bit per year. Is this true? I've consulted with several doctors and none of them have said anything like this. I even looked online and most doctors assure you that you will never need to replace it.

Michael P. Morrissette, DDS, FACS · Answer

It is unlikely and rare that you would need to replace any facial implant. Chin implants have been placed for decades and there is an occasional case report of bone resorption beneath an implant. I have never experienced this problem and have placed many facial implants. If you are truly concerned that it might happen in your case, then a genioplasty procedure where your own chin is moved forward is another option. Both procedures are performed in the office under sedation or local anesthesia.

Charles S. Lee, MD, FACS · Answer

It's true that the implant can potentially settle deeper into the bone over time. For this reason, the preferred location for chin implant is on the layer just above the periosteum, which is the thin covering over bone. Another option is to place the implant on the bone itself (probably the more common location for a chin implant) and then stabilize it with a screw to prevent micro-movements that potentially will make the implant skin into the bone more quickly. Any surgeon who has gone back in on an old  implant will definitely confirm that the implant does sink into the bone and leaves a footprint if steps are not taken to prevent this.

Fred J. Bressler, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your post. It is not routine to recommend that patients undergo replacement of their chin implants every 5-10years due to chin recession. A properly placed silastic chin implant should provide a longterm and stable enhancement.

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.  A silastic chin implant is permanent and does not need to be replaced. 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.  I perform chin implant surgery in 30 minutes or less, often using a local anesthetic alone. Hope this helps.

Chin implant needs to be replaced?

Answers (4)

More Chin Implant Questions

Intraoral chin implant 7 days post-op - lower lip looks small, weird and covers my lower teeth. (photos)

What type chin implant is best? (Photos)

Cost of cheek AND chin implants? Can both surgeries be done simultaneously?

Will placing a chin implant in a 45 degree angle cause more or less bone erosion?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS