Are titanium plates and metal screws carcinogenic?

Titanium is used for many different surgeries, including operations like knee and hip replacements (where much larger amounts of metal is used). It is generally considered safe. That being said, 6 weeks after a genioplasty, the bone has healed and you can remove the plate and screws if it makes you uncomfortable having them. We offer in-person or virtual consultations if you would like to discuss options further!

Sam,
Thanks for your question. Titanium plates and screws have been used for several decades. I have not personally been exposed to research that links cancer with Titanium.

I have been performing genoplasties for over 30 years and I am not aware of any studies that indicate that titanium is carcinogenic. In addition to genioplasties, this matieral is used in orthopedics, neurosurgery and other facial plastic surgeries. Prior to titanium, steel was used and these plates were removed at a later surgery. There is no indication for removal of titanium plates and screws.

To my knowledge, there is no association between fixation plates/screws and cancer. There are tens of thousands patients who underwent craniofacial and jaw procedures in the past using plate/screw fixation but, to my knowladge, there is no conction between fixation material and malignancy. Hope this may help. Good luck.