Intraoral chin implant, cutting mentalis muscle attachments, & chin and lip ptosis.

Question

Some doctors say that not to use the intraoral approach because it requires the mentalis muscle attachments to be cut and once cut, they cannot be reattached properly which results in chin and lip ptosis. Why does there seem to be a disagreemet among doctors? Is a intraoral chin implant ok? Will my chin and lip sag? Will my speech be affected? I had an intraoral chin implant about 2 yrs ago and my lower lip function is off. Why didn't the doctor warn me about these potential issues? Thank you.

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD (retired) · Answer

Hi, I have performed many Chin Augmentations using chin implants for over 30 years.  A weak chin creates an imbalance making the nose appear larger, the mid face top heavy and the lower face look short that de-emphasizes the lips and allows early formation of a double chin.  Chin augmentation using a chin implant will add projection to the chin creating harmony and balance to the lower face.

I have found that placement of a silastic chin implant, through a small curved incision under the chin (also allows excess skin removal) to be very safe, quick, highly effective and far less invasive than a sliding genioplasty.  I perform chin implant surgery in 30 minutes or less, often using a local anesthetic alone.   I use a small, curved incision under the chin to place the chin implant.  Unlike the intra oral approach, this avoids cutting the Mentalis muscle.  Like many procedures in plastic & cosmetic surgery, placement of a chin implant is and can be performed differently.  I personally do not like, use or teach the intra oral approach for placement of a chin implant.  It has numerous draw backs, some of which you have mentioned and it just doesn't make sense to me.  I am unaware of lip ptosis but believe the intra oral approach would make the patient more prone to ptosis of the cut Mentalis muscle.

Hope this helps.

Intraoral chin implant, cutting mentalis muscle attachments, & chin and lip ptosis.

Answers (1)

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Chin Implant

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Intraoral chin implant, cutting mentalis muscle attachments, & chin and lip ptosis.

Answers (1)

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Chin Implant

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.