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.

A screw is not needed for a silicone implant. After 2 months the implant should be stable but certainly a direct punch may dislodge it but I have not seen this reported in the medical literature. Good Luck.

Yes, a silicone implant can be secured with screws though I never recommend this. No chin implant can be truly secured considering that you are a boxer. The screws tend to be very delicate. Thus, one direct punch to your chin will likely dislodge the screws and possibly the implant. I don't think screw fixation will result in a safer chin implant for you. I hope this information is helpful.Stephen Weber MD, FACS

It's just not practical.  All that will happen is you will get punch and if the implant actually moved it would just tear around the screw.  Once an implant is placed under the periosteum its pretty secure.  The screws could also encourage fractures if you're a boxer.  Just skip the screws. . .or just wait until you retire as a boxer.

 

Generally a pocket that will snugly fit the implant is carefully elevated and the implant is sewn into place in several different places to prevent dislodging.  The elevated tissue is then covered over the implant and again sewn to secure the location of the implant.  While screws are possible to secure the location, they are often unnecessary.  Please consult with your board certified specialist to obtain the results you seek.

The best way to guarantee chin implant fixation forever are one or two screws to the bone. This would be the best thing to do given that you are a boxer. It is a very simple technique to do, adds no extra time, and very little cost. For many male patients it is my standard chin implant fixation  technique, regardless of whether it is a silicone or Medpor chin implant.

Fixing the silicone chin implant with screws will deform the silicone.

using POREX implant need tobe fixed with screws, and will have tissue ingrowth. However you will be able to dislodge the screws and the implant with boxing and being hit on the chin.

Even using bone, sliding osteotomy will weaken your chin.

Rib graft used for chin augmentation will need to be fixed with multiple screws. Will require 6-12 month for solid boney growth and would be able to remove the scews after boney healing.

even with all this can not tell you what will be the strength of your chin with a big hook punch.

It is not wise to consider any type of chin implant if you continue to box . A screw going into the bony to secure a chin  implant is more likely to contribute to a jaw fracture if the chin is struck.