What Type of Chin Implant Replacement Do I Need?

Q: Dr. Eppley, A surgeon placed a medium anatomical implant, and while I appreciate the projection, I hate everything else about it. Not only did it make my face wider and longer, it made it masculine and worsened my jowls. I am eager to have it removed and possibly replaced with something different but I’m not sure what I want to do just yet. I have been to several surgeons for consult and have yet to find one I feel comfortable investing in again. The pictures I included are three profiles: one from when I had the first implant, one from after the first implant had been removed, and one with filler in the middle. I also included a couple of pictures from the front just prior to the new implant. There are also two pictures with the new implant. Out of my own curiosity, I outlined my jawline using lipstick and pressed it on a piece of paper. I then measured and cut out a piece of paper in the approximate size and shape of the implant. That picture is also included. Thank you so much for your time, and I look forward to hearing your expert opinion.

A: Thank you for your inquiry and sending your pictures as well as detailing your surgical chin, augmentation history. In my experience, your situation is very common as the use of anatomic style chin implants is rarely successful for females for the exact reasons that you have. The long wings makes the chin wider, fuller, and almost gives the appearance of jowls.

In your drawing, I believe you are trying to show the current shape and projection of your existing implant? That is not the shape of an anatomical round standard chin implant unless the surgeon modified it, which is certainly possible. I don’t think you should consider chin implant replacement unless you know exactly what the style,  size and placement of the chin implant is on the bone so the relationship between the implant and the external shape is appreciated. This is done through a 3-D CT scan in which your silicone chin implant will be very clearly seen. Understanding the relationship between the geometry of the implant and its effects allows for creating a better implant shape with a different and more desired aesthetic effect.

Dr Barry Eppley

Plastic Surgeon