Is the Hyperdense Area On My X-Ray Where My Chin Bump/Irregularitites Are?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I happened to be at the dentist today and captured a panorex image of my chin.  The center and to the left of center is where I feel a firm lump. I wonder if the more hyper dense area could represent that. I know it’s not a diagnostic image, but the general margin seems interesting. It’s interesting that the bottom of my chin looks bumpy because it feels bumpy. I wonder if this is where the residual chin implant material is.

A:A panorex x ray is a bit of a distorted image (like a globe that has been spread out to be a map) but the gross irregularities that appear are real given the prior surgery as all implants cause benign bony changes. A 3D CT scan would be the most informative but since we are going open it up anyway that will be the definitive assessment of what is there. (removal any residual implant material and smooth out the bone)

Dr. Barry Eppley

World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon