Will My Chin Shape Return To Normal After Chin Implant Removal?

Q: Dr. Eppley, If I had you take out my chin implant, would I get my original chin back, or will it look somewhat deformed from all the carving you have to do and all the ingrown tissue that has been produced since it was put it one year ago.

A: What happens to the chin with chin implant removal depends on numerous factors. What is the size of the implant, what is the composition of the implant (silicone vs Medpor) how long has it been in place, and what is the nature of the soft tissue pad sitting on top of it. By far the most important of these issues is the size of the implant and the material. Small sized chin implants composed of silicone material are the most likely to have a chin return to its original shape. Large implants, particularly those composed of Medpor which are more ‘destructive’ to remove, are less likely to have the chin return to its original shape. Usually it is not a bone change issue, but the stretch of the overlying soft tissues that poses the potential issue. In many cases managing the soft tissue by tightening or suspension helps solve any soft tissue deformity that may have been caused by the implant.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana