How risky is the explantation of a Medpor Chin Implant?

Question

Hallo, I contemplate having my Medpor chin implant removed, because it is causing fluctuating numbness and lack of motor control of my mentalis muscle for 4 years now. I was however given some vague advise that this procedure carries a host of risks, for instance the risk that the remaining scar capsule might contract after excision which could lead to the skin bulging up. Is this true? Are there any other risks? Or is the excision relatively safe and uncomplicated? Thanks a lot for any help!

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

The removal of the implant is straightforward, albeit mildly traumatic to the tissues because of scar ingrowth into the material. The relevant issue is what will happen to the expanded soft tissue of the chin pad once it is removed. You should have a strategy for dealing with the excess soft tissue to avoid a sag of the chin tissues afterward.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

The question of risk is not as important as how difficult would trying to remove this type of chin implant would be....

Richard Galitz, MD, FACS (in memoriam) · Answer

You are right that there are risks associated with the removal of the Medpor implant. I use Implantech silastic curvilinear or Conform implants because if they ever need to be removed for whatever reason they come out easily and safely. However Medpor has a tendency for tissue ingrowth so the removal involves much more dissection and tissue trauma and anxiety about possible nerve injury. As for collapsing of the empty capsule causing a bunching effect....I guess this is possible if a large defect was managed with a large implant and the subsequent dead space after removal is large....however with most medium or small implants this effect is not of any concern. However if you have persistent numbness and/or improper muscle action the implant should be removed and at a later date when the capsule has shrunk a new better sized implant can be reinserted. Whether renewed normal function will now take place at this late date is highly unlikely...but an improper implant should always be removed, problems only get worse as time goes on. There is an excellent surgical procedure to correct the sagging chin ( chin ptosis ) if this should be the case after removal

Donald Nunn, MD (retired) · Answer

The risks involved with removal are lip/chin numbness, infection, bleeding; which were the same as putting it in.   They may be a little higher due to scar tissue and difficulty with removal of that type implant, but not with the proper surgeon.  One of the biggest risks is sagging of the chin soft tissues after removal.  If you do not want an implant, you may consider advancement genioplasty with the implant removal;  this would prevent the sagging problem.  Good luck.  Donald R. Nunn MD  Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

How risky is the explantation of a Medpor Chin Implant?

Answers (4)

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