I have a chin implant that is slightly crooked. (Photo)

Question

Hello, I have a chin implant that is slightly crooked and my doctor said re-positioning it with surgery would run a huge infection risk. He said we could "massage" it a few times a day to try and move it slightly. Thoughts on the "massaging" and infection risk of shifting and implant would be greatly appreciated.

P. Daniel Ward, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. If the surgical implant is crooked, then it should be re-positioned surgically. On the other hand, if the implant was recently placed, i.e., within the past 12-18 months, then massage of the area is a good idea to help remove asymmetric swelling.

John Bitner, MD · Answer

This is actually a very complex question.  It really boils down to why is it crooked in the first place.  Below I will list the possible reasons for crookedness and what I would recommend to fix it:1) Surgical Swelling- if you are 6 months or less from the surgery there still may be some postsurgical swelling that causes it to look uneven.  Wait until you see the final results.  It may be much less noticeable than you think in the end. 2) Malplacement by the physician- if the implant was placed such that one side is horizontally rotated around the side (the midline of the implant is not lined up with your midline) or it has rotated down below the margin or edge of your jaw bone, the only way it can be fixed is to go back and reposition it.  If this is an Implantec solid silicone implant, then the risk of infection is low as there are no holes or gaps where the bacteria can collect.  While the infection risk is higher than when originally done, it is still relatively low if it is done under completely sterile surgical conditions (hopefully the way it was done the first time). 3) Crookedness is the result of a pre-existing crooked jaw or chin- Some asymmetry to the original bone can be corrected by simply filing off a high point of bone and evening out the surface.  However, other types of asymmetries are more difficult or even not possible to fix.  Looking closely at the before pictures should help you figure this out.  While there may be some hope to move it with massaging, I think that is unlikely.  I guess it is worth a try and won't hurt anything, but I would still make plans for what you are going to do if it doesn't work.  Best of luck.  Let us know if we can help.

Michael P. Morrissette, DDS, FACS · Answer

A cone beam CT scan can determine if the implant is positioned correctly. If there malposition it can be placed into a new position surgically. There is no increased risk of infection greater than the first time it was placed. I would not massage the area.

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

With any surgical procedure, there is a risk of injection, but if your implant is crooked, it can be re-positioned with surgery. I hope this helps.

Majid Jamali, DMD · Answer

I believe it should be repositioned surgically. You can also choose to have sliding genioplasty and at the same time remove the implant

I have a chin implant that is slightly crooked. (Photo)

Answers (5)

More Chin Implant Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (5)

More Chin Implant Questions

I had a chin implant 10 years ago and have been left with an asymmetrical smile, bite, left shift, can this be corrected?

Chin implant (Conform Extended Anatomical Chin Implantech in Large size): I’m not satisfied with the result. (Photos)

Can a chin implant "pull" your cheeks forward to give the illusion of a slimming effect?

Do I have a weak enough chin to justify a chin implant? (Photo)

Would I benefit from a chin implant or sliding genioplasty? (Photos)

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

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS