Radicular cysts and Chin implants; An unexpected complication prompting explantation - Case report

Implant-based genioplasty is a simple and safe but not complication-free cosmetic procedure. Patients are commonly briefed about anticipated complications and their management pre-operatively, but few unexpected complications may arise; and this case report is an example. This paper is the first to report a radicular cyst fistulating through chin implant pocket to the skin. Moreover, we present our prevention strategy and recommendations.

A 39-year-old-lady underwent a silicone implant-based genioplasty that was uneventful. Later, she developed a reddish nodule on the chin necessitating fistulectomy followed by a recurrence leading to explantation. It was not until the second recurrence that a fistulating radicular cyst was discovered and was treated with the help of a dentist.

Radicular cysts are benign, inflammatory cysts that arise in a background of dental trauma or caries. No link has been discovered yet between silicone implants and radicular cysts or fistulating cysts. Moreover, we propose that poor oral hygiene could be implicated in the development of these cysts. Dental panoramic X-ray has been used to diagnose radicular cysts, but its efficacy as a screening tool needs to be studied. Finally, the recurrence rate of radicular cysts is unknown.

In a patient with chin implant, radicular cysts could lead to a disastrous outcome. Through history and physical examination, a plastic surgeon should identify patients with poor oral hygiene and dental trauma prior to implant-based genioplasty to arrange for a dental panoramic X-ray. Patients known to have radicular cysts should not undergo an implant-based genioplasty.