Do I Need To Get My Chin Implant Removed First Before Getting A New Custom Chin Implant?

Q: Dr. Eppley, Hi. I have a chin implant from a different surgeon, and my chin still does not look quite as symmetrical as I would prefer. I’m interested in replacing it with a more customized implant, and was wondering what that process would involve. Would I first have to get my implant removed before getting CTI scan? And how long would the replacement take? Thanks.

A: You do not need to remove your chin implant prior to getting a 3D CT scan. The presence of the implant can usually been seen in the scan and is digitally removed to do the new implant design. Knowing what the existing chin implant looks like and where it is positioned on the bone is also helpful information in a new implant design.

The usual time frame from starting the design process to having it available for surgery is 3 months.

Dr. Barry Eppley

World Renowned Plastic Surgeon