Numbness of chin: The mental nerve comes out of its hole ("foramen") just above the level of the implant. This nerve may be traumatized by the surgery, or there may be some pressure from the implant. This can cause numbness of the chin. Usually this numbness is temporary. However, I have had a few patients who have reported long-term numbness.

Infection: Fortunately, the facial tissues have an excellent blood supply and are resistant to infection. Antibiotics are prescribed of course. If antibiotics prove ineffective, the implant would be removed and a new one replaced at a later date. Fortunately, this is seldom necessary. I have had to remove just one implant because of infection in 20 years of practice and hundreds of chin implants.

Malposition: Because the implant is not screwed in place, movement is possible during the first few weeks. At about two weeks after surgery, the implant is securely fixed by the scar tissue that envelopes it and is unlikely to move. It is possible that the implant may heal in a slightly asymmetrical fashion, such that one side of the implant may lie a little higher or lower than the jawline. Occasionally, patients can feel the implant with their tongue on one side. This means the implant has shifted and needs to be repositioned.

Overcorrection/Undercorrection: Patients worry about overcorrection. Women in particular do not want an over- emphasized, masculine chin. They don't want to look like Jay Leno. I reassure them that, as in other types of cosmetic surgery, I will not overdo it. It is better for the chin to be slightly receded and still natural-looking than overdone.

Accentuation of chin crease: If a patient has a deep chin crease, an implant may make it look even deeper. In such patients, it may be best to avoid using an implant. I have had success in using an implant and injecting this crease with fat simultaneously.