Will removing my chin implant return my smile to what it was or is this nerve / muscle damage caused by the implant? (photos)

Question

On 6/29/22, a large silastic polymer chin implant was inserted via an external incision. I observed facial paralysis but assured it would be resolved 3 months post-op. At 6 months, my smile was still terrible but told it was due to due to weak mentalis muscle & "kissy face" exercises would resolve this. Currently, my smile looks like it did in my 6-month post-op pics. Would removing my implant return my smile to normal or is the continual paralysis due to nerve/muscle damage?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

For unique cases where a variety of modalities could be used to treat the condition, I would suggest an in-person or virtual consultation to develop a custom and effective treatment plan.  It is difficult to precisely define the best option without collecting the same information. I suggest reaching out to an expert for a consultation with surgical and non-surgical methods to get a comprehensive option. Best, Dr. Emer.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Loss of strength of the muscles a facial expression can happen from certain surgical procedures. it can happen from direct injury to branches of the facial nerve and it can also happen from pressure being put on the nerves causing them to develop different levels of neurapraxia.
If the weakness was due to direct nerve injury then removing the implant will not improve facial dynamics.
If the neurapraxia is due to pressure on the nerve from adding the implant then removing the implant immediately after surgery should restore facial nerve function better.
Nerve regeneration typically continues for about a year and sometimes longer.
There is no good way to differentiate if the changes in facial dynamics are from the implant or from the procedure.
At this point you have to ask yourself if you’re happy with the outcome of the procedure in regards to facial contour. Losing the improvement the chin implant gave you for a relatively small chance of improving smile function is a questionable decision.
There is no easy way to differentiate if removing the implant will improve your smile or not. I suggest you focus more on the outcome of the procedure in regards to facial contour and recognize that there are inherent risks with all surgical procedures.
In reality most people don’t get ideal outcomes.
The majority of patients will have a cosmetic surgery while having some minor undesirable side effect related to the procedure.
In the big picture do you need to ask yourself if you’re better off or not having had that shit augmentation. Based on your pictures it’s a huge improvement.
The process of placing a large implant includes the risk of facial nerve injury.
Most people eventually adjust to the changes and excepted as the new baseline.
There is no easy fix to your problem.
I suggest you focus on the positive which is that your facial contour was improved significantly.
Focusing on the changes in facial dynamics is in many ways pointless because there is no way correct us other than to give it time.
As irritating as that may sound it is the truth.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

Will removing my chin implant return my smile to what it was or is this nerve / muscle damage caused by the implant? (photos)

Answers (2)

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Everything you need to know about Chin Implant

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Will removing my chin implant return my smile to what it was or is this nerve / muscle damage caused by the implant? (photos)

Answers (2)

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Everything you need to know about Chin Implant

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.