Will I Need A Chin Reduction After A Chin Implant Removal?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am wondering if chin reduction may be helpful for me. I had a chin implant which I was not keen on so I had it removed. It’s been two months now and the chin is not what it was, it looks more masculine and wider than it was originally. Do you think that this will improve?

A: A chin implant adds volume to the bone as an onlay but do so but stretching out the soft tissues of the chin that is on top of it. Thus, when a chin implant is removed, it requires the overlying soft tissues to shrink back down and readapt to the bone. Whether that can happen successfully is influenced by how large the original implant was, how long it was in and what the surgical approach was to place it. (submental vs. intraoral) I don’t think you can have an absolute certain answer for three to four months after its removal, but in many cases the chin will not return to its original shape. Even though it has only been two months, I would not be optimistic based on how your pictures look. Chin reduction surgery may be beneficial in chin removal cases like yours as it removes and tightens the loose soft tissues and may contour the chin bone as needed for additional chin shape contouring.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana