Can I change to smaller chin implant?

Question

I had a facelift and a week before the surgery, my doctor recommended I also have a chin implant. I agreed but we didn't have a clear agreement on the size. After 4 months I still feel it is too large. I plan to wait another 2 months to be sure all the swelling is gone but I think I will want a smaller implant. The next size is 2 mm smaller. 1) Will I have any loose skin afterward? 2) How is the swelling after a chin implant change? I had a lot of swelling after the first chin implant.

Paul S. Nassif, MD · Answer

Waiting another two months would be a good idea. You will not experience loose skin following the implant replacement. You will have swelling following the procedure, but it may not be as significant as it was following the first procedure. I would recommend communicating any concerns to your surgeon prior to the revision procedure. I hope this helps, and I wish you the best of luck.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

I would recommend waiting the other two months, as you are, to judge the size of your chin implant.  If you still feel it is too big, it can be changed to a smaller size.  This should not produce any loose skin but there still would be some swelling after the procedure.

Joseph Niamtu, III · Answer

By 4 months, you are probably healed but waiting another 8 weeks can't hurt.  Generally you know by 6 weeks.  Changing it is less surgery, less recovery and easier to do.  If you step down the the next size it won't really change your skin tightness as your body can compensate for that amount easily.  It is not an uncommon thing for docs that do a lot of facelifts and chins.  Sometimes you need to step up or down to make the patient and or surgeon happy.Joe Niamtu, III DMDCosmetic Facial SurgeryRichmond, Virginia

William Portuese, MD · Answer

It is possible to exchange the chin implant for smaller one which we have done several times in our own practice. The procedure of chin implant exchange can be performed under local anesthesia, the old implant removed the new implant  inserted which is smaller. The skin  should shrink wrap over the new chin implant without any issues. For many examples, diagrams and more information please see the link below to our chin implant photo gallery

Donald Nunn, MD (retired) · Answer

You can exchange the implant for a smaller one.  2mm will not be that large of a change and should not lead to significant skin laxity.  You will have some swelling after the exhange depending on the type of implant placed and difficulty of exchange.  Good luck.  Donald R. Nunn MD  Atlanta Plastic Surgeon.

Can I change to smaller chin implant?

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Can I change to smaller chin implant?

Answers (5)

Answer: Chin implant exchange

Answer: Chin implant exchange

Answer: Chin implant exchange

Answer: Chin implant exchange

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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.