Can A Larger Facial Implant Be Placed After A First Smaller Facial Implant Is Done?

Q: Dr. Eppley, Regarding limitations in the size of facial implants, such as chin implants, would the skin not eventually stretch, gradually, to accomodate the implant? That is to say, have you ever had someone get an implant, wait a year, get a larger implant, or is this irrational? Would the tissues simply become too tight regardless of how long was waited? I know, for example, that as people get fat, their skin extends generally regardless of how fat they get. Is there not the same potential for cosmetic implants? Is there any experimental work being done in this area?

A:It is very common that patients unintentionally undergo a first stage tissue expansion procedure (placement of an initial implant) for a second larger facial implant later. They get one implant size today and then may decide later they want it bigger…which is not a problem to do.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana