Chin Implant Removal

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am interested in chin implant removal.  I had a chin implant placed three years ago.I feel that it looks too rounded and full when I smile especially since my teeth do not show when I smile. It looks out of proportion. The Doctor who did it is fantastic and I really wanted it at the time but now feel that I do not want it. I have also lost some weight since it was inserted. My face does not seem to support the look of it. Attached are 2 pictures – one before and one after the implant. When I smile the implant looks even more odd.

The chin implant is Goretex and porous so I am not sure how easy it would be to remove. It is a rounded implant. Would you be able to remove it – and also would the possibility of a lower face/skin lift around that area be a good idea in order to tighten up the space/area ?

Thanks very much in advance.

A: Thank you for your inquiry in regards to chin implant removal. Goretex chin implants can be removed even though they will have more tissue adherence. In terms of tissue adherence, they are about halfway between a silicone and Medpor chin implant.

The issue is not whether it can be removed but what to do to prevent soft tissue chin ptosis which will likely occur once the support is removed. The chin is a central facial prominence for which a lower facelift of any kind will not affect it. A lower facelift is not a prevention or treatment for chin ptosis. Your options include leaving some partial support (downsize to a smaller chin implant) or perform a submental tuck with muscle tightening to readapt the tissues over the chin bone.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana