I want a chin implant, but I'm also terrified of bone erosion. Would x-rays be an option to control the implant?

Question

Im tired of having HA fillers so often to keep the result im looking for. I want a permanent solution to my short chin, and genioplasty is no option. But im terrified of getting bone loss as a result of an implant. What if i get bone erosion and have to get it removed, there would be nothing left of my (already before the implant) short chin. If i take x-rays of the chin every year would i be able to notice a possible bone erosion early? And get if removed before it makes a visible damage?

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

There isn't a significant risk of bone erosion. A chin implant can create a stronger profile and improve vertical length. When well placed by an expert, a chin implant can last for decades or a lifetime. You can choose a chin with will give you a better projection and smooth the jawline. Liposuction can further define the jawline. A consultation with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon is important; for the patient to be evaluated, their goals discussed, and a custom treatment plan decided upon. I hope this helps.

A. Joshua Zimm, MD · Answer

Your concern is a theoretical one that has no real clinical significance.  With good surgical technique, the implant is placed with a layer of tissue between the implant and the bone.  It’s a non-issue that you should not be concerned with in the least in making this decision.  Best wishes.

Sam Lam, MD, FACS, FISHRS · Answer

A chin implant placed in the right position should not cause significant bone erosion.  It is important to place the chin implant over the bottom portion along the mandibular cortex that is very thick that supports a chin implant.  I remember a guy that came to me for a revision chin implant and he had the chin implant placed so high that it was eroding into his dental roots because the bone there is thin and does not tolerate an implant.  The encapsulation that goes around the implant can somewhat compensate for the bone erosion if there should be any but obviously there cannot be a guarantee of a 1:1.  You really should not need your chin implant ever removed so this should not be an issue.  Looking at my patients over the years, they really maintain their position.  That is why I use only silicone implants.  Gore-Tex implants flatten over time and Med-Por can also do the same not to mention the infection risk and the impossibility of removing them.  Hope this answer helps.

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

Some passive bone remodeling under/around a chin implant can occur but this is a benign process that has no adverse effects. The concept of 'bone erosion' implies some active inflammatory process that is destructive and is inappropriately used for this common phenomenon. Passive bone remodeling is normal around many implants throughout the body and should not be of concern in chin implants.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

When removing old chin implants, we notice bone remodeling, not erosion. Bone is living tissue and remodels around an implant. This is only an incidental finding. The bone in the mandible in that location underneath the chin implant is  usually approximately a half an inch thick, and we've never seen a real problem with bone erosion in 26 years performing chin implants.

I want a chin implant, but I'm also terrified of bone erosion. Would x-rays be an option to control the implant?

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Answer: Chin Implant Bone Remodeling

Answer: Chin Implant Bone Remodeling

Answer: I want a chin implant, but I'm worried about bone erosion

Answer: I want a chin implant, but I'm worried about bone erosion

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Everything you need to know about Chin Implant

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I want a chin implant, but I'm also terrified of bone erosion. Would x-rays be an option to control the implant?

Answers (7)

Answer: Chin Implant Bone Remodeling

Answer: Chin Implant Bone Remodeling

Answer: I want a chin implant, but I'm worried about bone erosion

Answer: I want a chin implant, but I'm worried about bone erosion

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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.