Why can some patients feel the chin implant, even after healing? Should implants be screwed to the bone?

Question

I've seen many reviews where patients who healed without complications saying they could feel the implant in the face and that it felt unnatural and uncomfortable. Some said they could feel the implant move. Why does this happen? In what percentage of cases does it occur? Is this related to the decision on whether to screw the implant to the bone? I've read opinions that metal screws are simply harmful, but it seems most surgeons still choose to do so.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Properly placed chin implants should not be mobile, palpable or uncomfortable. We do not use screws, just sutures and a proper sized pocket. Hope this helps. Dr Joseph

Thomas A. Lamperti, MD · Answer

It would be very unusual for a silicone implant to be mobile after it has healed. It is also rare in my experience for the implant to be palpable under the skin. I normally place the implant under all of the soft tissue of the chin so it is very well obscured. I normally secure it in place with a dissolvable suture that goes away on its own after a few months. By this time the implant is healed into place and doesn't have anywhere to move. Some surgeons do screw the implant in but I wouldn't say this is standard treatment.You can learn more about chin augmentation at my web reference link below.

Michael Kulick, MD, DDS · Answer

Yes, one can feel their chin implant. They knew what they looked like prior to surgery and refocused on this change. A great deal depends on the amount of subcutaneous fat. "Feeling" an implant does not mean that the procedure was not successful. Remember, the patient knows that they have an implant. If the desired preoperative goal has been attained, then this is the desired outcome and all should be happy. Screws are irrelevant. Sincerely, Dr. KSan Francisco, Ca.

Eric YK Li, MD · Answer

The implants have a different consistency/firmness compared to your natural tissues so you will be able to feel the implant if you press on it but it shouldn't move or dislodge.  Whether a surgeon uses metal screw or suture fixation is largely a trivial matter as long as it stays in the desired place while it heals and the surgeon's technique was accurate.  After it heals, a scar tissue forms around the implant which prevents the implant from moving, irrespective of the screw or suture.  Hope this helps.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

If patients are able to feel the chin implant moving around, the implant is in the wrong place. In our practice, we place the implant underneath the periosteum and directly over the bone, so it is immobile and is then sewn in place with dissolvable stitches. The implant is also placed in a precise pocket so it cannot move around, and then the body creates a capsule around the implant to hold it in place. No screws are necessary.

Why can some patients feel the chin implant, even after healing? Should implants be screwed to the bone?

Answers (6)

Answer: Fixation of chin implants

Answer: Fixation of chin implants

Answer: Why can some patients feel the chin implant?

Answer: Why can some patients feel the chin implant?

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.

Why can some patients feel the chin implant, even after healing? Should implants be screwed to the bone?

Answers (6)

Answer: Fixation of chin implants

Answer: Fixation of chin implants

Answer: Why can some patients feel the chin implant?

Answer: Why can some patients feel the chin implant?

Browse related questions

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.