Should I expect any complications after chin implant removal? 18 months since initial procedure, 23 y/o

Thank you for your question. When the implant is removed, in general, it is helpful to suspend the chin tissues, so there’s less tendency for ptosis. This is usually possible when the access is through the mouth.

The age does play a role, but it is not the only factor. If the implant used was silicone, there is capsule formation which is a smooth and slippery tissue. This tissue can be partially removed to enhance the tendency of the layers to stick together. In the absence of any attempt to help the layers to stick together, there is a possibility of slight gliding downwards of the chin tissues, even in someone young but probably less than later in life.

Using a chin support garment after chin implant removal can also potentially help.

If the implant is porous after removal, the tissue has a tendency to stick together. Wearing the garment for the first week after the surgery can still help to control the position of the soft tissues.

Your age and the amount of time that has passed since the implant was placed will determine the recovery. It is possible that the soft tissue returns to pre-surgical aesthetics but there can still be differences. The size of the implant also plays a role. Would you consider replacing the large implant with a smaller one? If the idea of an implant is troublesome, you might want to consider a sliding genioplasty.

Besides the removal of silicone implant, an experienced surgeon would try to fix soft tissues in the desired position to prevent ptosis; of course, nobody can give you guarantees that ptosis will not happen. This is an issue that is best discussed with your surgeon ahead of surgery. Good luck.