Can a Silicone Chin Implant Be Secured with Screws?

I read your concern. Frankly, if you're going to continue to box, you should consider holding off on chin implant surgery. A blow to your chin after surgery may increase your risk of developing an infection, no matter how it's fixated.

In my practice, chin implants are typically secured to the lower jaw periosteum with two 5-0 PDS sutures. Careful elevation of your implant's pocket, along with these sutures, prevents shifting of your implant while you're healing.

Hope this helps you.

Dr. Joseph

The pocket is usually made under a thin but strong membrane called the periosteum with the pocket made to the exact size. The pocket then shrinks down around the implant to hold if firmly in place and it will feel just like your chin - you will not be able to wiggle it. I do not recommend screwing in a chin implant as theoretically the screw might serve to weaken your bone and increase the chance of fracture with a direct blow.A a screw is not usually used for silicone implants (the most common type) but is used for others such as PTFE, Gortex, Medpor, etc.

The force generated by a hook or an upper cut, or for that matter a straight jab, will displace a chin implant whether it is anchored with a screw or not.  For that matter, if one engages in MMA, being choked out can also lead to implant displacement. 

The reason I know the above is that I have several patients who routinely engage in various forms of martial arts.  I have had implants displaced that were not anchored down.  My second stage procedures on these individuals led me to put in titanium screws, one and sometimes two, through the silicone implants into the anterior mandible.  I learned through bitter experience "don't put chin implants in people who actively train or participate in mixed martial arts".  It's a losing proposition.