I have complications with 44 year old chin implant. How difficult are they to remove?

Question

When I was 16, I had a chin implant to accompany a Rhinoplasty. The implant is now causing me some pain and tenderness, not a lot. I fell about two months ago and am not sure if this affected the chin. What types of implants would have been used in 1970 and how difficult are they to remove? How is the type of implant determined? There are no medical records that survived.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

It would be pretty routine to remove the implant you have, and you could have it replaced if you'd like.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Rubberized silicone chin implants have the longest track record of longevity and safety, and to my knowledge, that was the only alloplastic material available in the 1970s. Removal of silicone chin implants may be straightforward for an experienced facial plastic surgeon. In our practice, removal or placement is performed through a small external incision under your chin, and surgery may take under 30 minutes.Hope this is helpful for you.Dr. Joseph

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

Without medical records available, there is no way to know what type of chin implant you had placed 44 years ago.  The only way to know for sure would be during surgery.  If you haven't already, I would consult with a facial plastic surgeon or plastic surgeon who has experience with chin implants.  You may not need to have the implant removed.  If there is no other treatment to try and help, it should be possible to remove the implant.

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

Such an old chinimplant would be easy to remove. Most likely it is sitting high particularly if it was placed originally through an intraoral approach. It may be solid silicone or gel-filled but either way it can be removed.

Houtan Chaboki, MD · Answer

Chin implants are commonly performed along with a rhinoplasty, neck liposuction, or face lift in appropriate patients. Occasionally, these chin implants need to be modified, changed, or removed. The difficulty of removing or modifying a chin implant is largely dependent on the material of the implant. Solid silicone implants are easy to remove, while other materials are much more difficult. It would be difficult to determine the material on physical examination alone, and a CT scan or imaging might help provide information. Speak with a chin implant surgeon to perform a comprehensive evaluation and determine appropriate options for you.Best,Dr. Chaboki

I have complications with 44 year old chin implant. How difficult are they to remove?

Answers (6)

Answer: Easy to remove

Answer: Easy to remove

Answer: Your chin implant that was placed in the 1970s is likely rubberized silicone.

Answer: Your chin implant that was placed in the 1970s is likely rubberized silicone.

Answer: 44 year old chin implant removal

Answer: 44 year old chin implant removal

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I have complications with 44 year old chin implant. How difficult are they to remove?

Answers (6)

Answer: Easy to remove

Answer: Easy to remove

Answer: Your chin implant that was placed in the 1970s is likely rubberized silicone.

Answer: Your chin implant that was placed in the 1970s is likely rubberized silicone.

Answer: 44 year old chin implant removal

Answer: 44 year old chin implant removal

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Chin Implant

Answer: Old Chin Implant Removal

Answer: Old Chin Implant Removal

Answer: Removing a chin implant

Answer: Removing a chin implant

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