How Can I Tell If My Jaw Implant Is Malpositioned?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am an asian male, 29 year old. I recently did a custom jaw implant (just jaw implant, no chin implant) with about 5mm lengthening and 3.7mm widening (each side). I am almost 2 months post op but since 1 month ago, i noticed an obvious lump where the jaw implant ends near the chin. When i run my hand over the jawline from the chin, i can feel that the jawline is not one straight line. Even in photos, i can see the bump. The surgeon said its swelling but i feel that its more likely bad placement or the design of the implant is not good. Can you offer your advice?

A: This is between you and your surgeon to sort out. But always when there is an implant positioning question a 3D CT scan will provide a definitive answer provided that the implant is of a material that can be visualized.

Dr. Barry Eppley

World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon