Chin Implant Revision

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am interested in a chin implant revision or removal. I had my initial chin implant placed about one year ago. Immediately I know it was too big.  The doctor talked me into a revision and now it’s pointy and not the shape of areal chin. I Only wanted subtle chin projection. Now I wish I never had it done at all. I am worried about chin ptosis if it is removed especially after reading your info online and I don’t know what to do. 

A:  I think you have two chin implant revision or removal options:

1) Downsize the chin implant to a much smaller one with intraoral suspension. This still leaves some soft tissue support and has the lowest risk of chin ptosis, or

2) Remove the chin implant entirely and do an intraoral suspension and hope for the best. There is still a chance you may be able to avoid the chin ptosis problem. It is not always a 100% guarantee that it will always happen when a chin implant is removed. The risk is high but it is not 100%. There are successful ways to manage chin ptosis even it occurs.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana