Will Removing An Exposed Chin Implant Affect My Appearance?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I had a Medpor chin implant placed 3 years ago and now there is an exposure of the right corner of my implant. I know I have to remove it but my concern how I will look afterwards if it is removed. I like my look with the chin implant but now that I have to lose it I am afraid of looking like an old woman. I actually did this implant to help make my jaw bone stronger and correct the small skin sagging on my two side of my jaw bones. Tomorrow I have appointment with a facial plastic surgeon. Do you believe I am too concerned? Thank so much for understanding.

A: It sounds like to me that your chin implant was placed through the mouth (intraorally), which would be the only way the implant could be exposed at this point. Taking out the chin implant is going to have a negative impact on your chin and jawline appearance to be sure. It is likely that this implant is placed too high. You will likely have to have your current implant removed and allow it to heal for a few months. Then you can have a new implant placed through a submental skin incision form under the chin. It may be possible that a new implant can be placed at the same time as your exposed one is removed. But that would be impossible for me to say just based on your description alone.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana