How Can I Treat My Chin Implant Bone Erosion?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I’ll explain more in depth what is going on and what I want to accomplish.

Implant used – implantech terino style II size large

Method – inserted from under the chin

Imaging – whatever a maxillifacial surgeon uses. I don’t know the name 

I had the implant placed in October 2020. Haven’t really had any issues with it. I went to a maxillofacial surgeon to discuss my options for issues with my jaw alignment which is causing issues with my molars. Long story short I’ve been told double jaw surgery + sliding genioplasty is the answer. Orthodontists unable to fix the alignment issues.

While doing the scans he incidentally found that I have around 3mm of bone resorption from the implant. Visually it looks no different and I am still quite pleased with the result. 

I was told by the doc who did the chin implant that some “settling” is completely normal. He didn’t seem concerned but I am exploring options in the event the erosion worsens.

I saw your reply to a post on Real Self with some more info about what can be done to remedy the erosion. So this is mainly what I am interested in learning more about. If he has a good solution then I would have no issues with getting a revision done with him in 1-2 years if the erosion continues getting worse. 

A: This is not bone erosion, it is implant settling…a passive self-limiting process that is not progressive. If you are happy with the chin augmentation results there is not need to treat this radiographic phenomenon.

Dr. Barry Eppley

World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon