Chin implant removal. Am I paralyzed forever?

Question

hi, i had chin implant because the doctor suggested to do it with mini face lift, even though i had a good chin,anyway after surgery i had crooked upper right lip, after 2 months i asked to remove my chin,and it is 1 month that he has removed it and i have my lower lips crooked , even worse. please please am i paralyze for ever or the right motion and look will come back?? he says it will take 6 months,but who know if he is telling the truth!!!!!!!!

Michael P. Morrissette, DDS, FACS · Answer

Weakness around the mouth after facelift and chin implant surgery is usually associated with the facelift procedure. Chin implants are placed deep along the bone and are usually associated with numbness sometimes. In my experience, all that is needed is a little time and your muscle weakness should return to normal. Be sure to follow-up with your surgeon so he can assess your progress. Good luck

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Chin Implant removal information/and considerations: For the vast majority of chin implants, removal is straight  forward most commonly using the  same incision that was used to place it. The procedure is often done in the office with local anesthesia with or without some sedation, but also commonly done in the OR under IV sedation or general anesthesia per patient's and surgeon's preference.  Most implants are silicone and are not adherent so slip out readily. Medpor, also called PTFE, may have tissue ingrowth and can be a bit more involved but still can be removed in the same manner.  It is very helpful for your surgeon to  review your prior surgical records to know the size and type of implant used. This may be obtained by contacting your prior surgeon's office or OR facility and request your prior surgical records.
Expectations: if the chin implant was small and removed within the first few years chances are likely that you will return a similar size and shape as before. If the implant was small, the chin soft tissue usually shrinks back down without  sagging.  Often, there is still some gain once the implant is removed due to the scarring and capsule (lining your body makes around the implant) that gives some benefit. On the other hand a large implant placed many years ago, and other factors such as being elderly, having osteoporosis and perhaps smoking that can cause loss of underlying bone due to  bony erosion from the pressure of the implant. In this case  use of a natural filler such your fat or at times a bone graft may recommended for different reasons. Your surgeon may request a  Panorex or lateral cephalometric x-ray to see if this is the case.  Temporary fillers can also be tried such as Jeuvederm, Sculptra, Voluma, Volbella, etc. 
Most important of all make sure you pick a plastic surgeon with great expertise in #chinaugmentation and #chinimplantremoval. 
See the below link on how best to choose your surgeon.

Mark Beaty, MD · Answer

Weakness around the mouth may sometimes be seen after facelift and/or chin implant.  This will typically resolve and return to normal, the process may take several months.  Be patient and follow up with your surgeon to monitor progress.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

Your surgeon is correct in that it can take 6 months for motion to come back to a paralyzed nerve after removal of a chin implant.  You should give it more time to heal and your surgeon should monitor your progress.

Michael Elam, MD (retired) · Answer

Dear manbash, Some weakness in this area can be caused by either the chin/or the facelift. Generally the upper lip weakness would be secondary to the facelift and the lower lip secondary to the chin. Your surgeon is correct that these can take six months to heal. Have your surgeon monitor your post operative care so he/she can help provide you some comfort during the recovery. Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.

Chin implant removal. Am I paralyzed forever?

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Answer: Crooked lip after chin implant removal

Answer: Crooked lip after chin implant removal

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Answer: Chin Augmentation and Facelift Concerns

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Everything you need to know about Chin Implant

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Chin implant removal. Am I paralyzed forever?

Answers (5)

Answer: Crooked lip after chin implant removal

Answer: Crooked lip after chin implant removal

Answer: Chin Augmentation and Facelift Concerns

Answer: Chin Augmentation and Facelift Concerns

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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.