Bone Changes With Silicone Chin Implants: Clinical Case, Review, and Considerations for Technique Modification

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Biomaterials Science
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Background:

• Silicone chin implants are often blamed for bone resorption after chin augmentation.
• Bone remodeling around implants is a complex process involving both bone formation and resorption.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze bone changes associated with silicone chin implants.
• To explain patterns of bone remodeling around implants using literature and case data.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of bone complications from silicone chin implants and periosteal manipulation.
• Analysis of plastic surgery and dental literature.
• Case observation of neo-ossification 10 years post-implantation.

Main Results:

• Periosteal elevation stimulates bone formation, leading to spur-like neo-ossification with subperiosteal implants.
• Implant pressure can cause limited bone resorption, with significant resorption occurring rarely if the implant is trapped.
• Neo-ossification was observed 10 years after silicone chin implantation in a presented case.

Conclusions:

• Mandibular bone resorption attributed to silicone chin implants is likely overstated; bone formation is more prevalent.
• Surgical modifications, including periosteal management and implant placement, can reduce chin implant complications.
• Alternative biomaterials may offer improved outcomes for chin augmentation compared to silicone.