Can Titanium Plates and Screws Be Removed?

Q: Dr. Eppley, Removal of titanium plates and screws in upper and lower jaw. The titanium plates and screws are causing health problems and I would like to have them removed.

A: The removal of maxillary hardware is generally 100% doable. The key is what the mandibular SSRO hardware looks like as that is always the bigger challenge. They coild be plate and screws or they could be bicortical screws. They are also more prone to having some bone over growth.

A simple panorex x-ray is needed to evaluate the type of hardware present.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Plastic Surgeon