Should I Remove My Chin and Paranasal Implants?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I had Medpor chin and paranasal implants placed close to 3 weeks ago. The implants were both placed intraorally.However, I still have issues with stiffness and a little difficulty with lip closure. Can I just check whether these issues are normal at this stage of recovery, or is it something I should be worried about? The stiffness in movement is one that concerns me the most, as it does affect my speech a little. Lastly, if this isn’t typical, would removal of these implants be possible? 

A: What you are experiencing for these types of facial implants is extremely typical. My experience and what I counsel my patients on before surgery is that to expect the following recovery as it relates to swelling, function and aesthetics…50% by three weeks, 75% by 6 weeks and 100% by three months. Thus you are being way premature to even consider implant removal as you have not gotten yet to see what the final result will be. Your perception of what you thought your recovery would be is undoubtably much less than that and this accounts for your concern at this early recovery point. Patients understandably do not appreciate that this is, in essence, very similar to bone surgery even though it is done for aesthetic purposes.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana