Chin implant removal procedure: best to go back from under the chin or through the mouth?

It is true that removing it from under the chin will require reopening the scar, resulting in more scar tissue. It will most likely heal a little larger and thicker. We perform surgeries every week through the mouth will little issues. You will be given an antibiotic mouth rinse to keep the area clean (or should be. Ask for it if it is not presented to you) and you can continue with warm salt water rinses. You may also ask for antibiotics to keep in case there is any signs of infection, although the mouth rinse usually works just fine. There will be no added external scarring, and it is a procedure done frequently because of this. It is up to you in the end, but you have a high chance of there being no complications with removing the implant from inside the mouth.

A chin implant can be placed or removed externally under the chin or through the mouth. The decision is really based on the preference of the surgeon. I normally would place or remove a chin implant externally using a small incision under the chin. Since you had your implant placed from under your chin, I would recommend removing it the same way.

Dear moonkitty23,
generally speaking, most plastic surgeons used the same incision to remove implant. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Why do you want to remove your current chin implant?
Infections do occur but are relatively rare these days. Infections can happen whether you and your surgeon decide on external or intraoral incisions.
If you want to remove your implant without replacing it with a new one, it would be prudent to know the type of material of it and whether or not you have screws holding it in place.
Typically, a smaller incision is needed to extract an implant than to insert one (assuming you have a silicone implant).
Something to consider is that intraoral incisions of the chin area usually cause a lot of numbness which can last for many months. Other related issues can occur too.
Usually, a smaller incision means less damage or disturbance to the surrounding tissue, so perhaps your surgeon believes it won't be a problem.
Some patients have had more than two external incisions, and their scar looks fantastic - almost unperceivable. The numbness of your chin, lips, and surrounding tissue caused by an external incision is typically much less, and perhaps this alone should be the one thing you should consider most.
Clearly, you are not happy with your current implant, but if you ever consider replacing it, this would be a good time to do so.
A custom-designed and custom-fit chin implant might eliminate your initial reasons for removing your current one.
Something to think about. Cheers!

Hi moonkitty23,
Thanks for asking this question. It is a complex answer. I would recommend using your previous incision and removing the implant. I have done this and have not seen issues with bigger and noticeable scar. If anything, you will notice the decrease in chin projection from removing the implant. It sounds like you are thinking about another consultation. I recommend you seek another opinion with a board certified surgeon. I hope this helps.
All the best, Dr. Sanan, MDFacial Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA