Hardware removal after sliding genioplasty?

Question

I want removal of the plates and screws that I have in my chin from a sliding genioplasty. I have been informed that the plates and screws can be kept in forever and don’t need removal unless there are complications with it. I personally don't want to wait for future complications and don’t like the idea of having them. How can I go about convincing my doctor or another doctor to remove this without having to argue about why it’s not necessary? Is recovery from hardware removal difficult?

Michael P. Morrissette, DDS, FACS · Answer

The plates and screws can easily be removed following a sliding genioplasty. I recommend waiting at least 4 months. The procedure can be accomplished in the office with local anesthesia or sedation.

Timothy Osborn, MD · Answer

The recovery from hardware removal is a fraction of the initial recovery from surgery. It is true that most people keep their hardware in unless there is a reason to remove them. That being said, your doctor should listen to your concerns and remove the hardware if that is what you want. After 6 weeks, the bone is healed and the hardware no longer serves a purpose. Similar to having an implant, some people realize they do not like having something foreign in their body and choose to have it removed. If your surgeon refuses to remove your hardware (which should not be the case), then I advise you look for someone else who is willing to help you.

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