If you are considering chin implant revision or jawline contouring, you likely have concerns about implant shifting, facial asymmetry, and achieving a natural look. In this case study, we demonstrate how custom DMI implants provide superior results compared to other implants—especially for complex asymmetry correction.
The Problem: Silicone Chin Implant Migration and Nerve Damage
What you see highlighted in pink is a standard silicone chin implant.
This implant was originally placed to camouflage mandibular asymmetry. However, silicone implant displacement is a common long-term complication. Over time, this implant migrated from its intended position and settled directly on top of the mental alveolar nerve. This resulted in significant loss of sensation (neuropathy) in the patient’s lower lip and chin.
The Risk of Stock Implants:
While silicone chin implants are popular, they lack fixation. They can shift, rotate, and always erode bone over time, leading to functional issues like nerve compression and aesthetic deformities.
The Challenge: Why a Standard Chin Implant Wasn’t Enough
At the initial consultation, the surgical team considered a straightforward replacement of the silicone implant with a custom chin implant. However, a detailed 3D analysis revealed a critical finding:
The asymmetry between the left and right sides of the jaw was too severe to be corrected by the chin alone.
To achieve true facial symmetry, we needed a comprehensive total jaw reconstruction approach.
The Solution: Custom DMI Jaw Angle & Chin Implants
We moved forward with a fully custom 3D DMI implant design. Unlike “one-size-fits-all”, DMI implants are designed from the patient’s own CT scan data.
Our Surgical Plan:
- Extended Right Wing: We extended the right wing of the chin implant all the way back to the jaw angle. This addressed the underlying skeletal deficiency and created a smooth, continuous jawline.
- Left Jaw Angle Implant: To create balance, we placed a jaw angle implant on the left side. This added volume to the weaker side, fulfilling the patient’s desire for a stronger, more defined jawline without making the face appear wider or more masculine.
The Results: Perfect Fit vs. Perfect Aesthetic
The results speak for themselves.
As Dr. Eppley emphasizes, “Custom does not simply mean perfect.” In the world of facial implants, “custom” guarantees a perfect fit—the implant locks onto the bone with zero movement, eliminating the risk of the implant shifting.
However, a perfect fit does not guarantee a perfect result.
True artistry lies in understanding proportion. It’s not just about knowing what beauty is, but understanding what kind of beauty suits you best. Our experience and refined aesthetic eye ensure that your custom implant enhances your unique facial architecture rather than simply adding volume.
Is Custom Chin & Jaw Implant Surgery Right for You?
If you are experiencing:
- Silicone implant shifting or rotation
- Numbness or pain after chin implant surgery
- Congenital jaw asymmetry
- Unsatisfactory results from implants
A custom DMI chin and jaw implant may be your only solution for predictable, permanent correction.
If the pinnacle of custom implant aesthetics is your objective, contact us today for a free consultation.
