Facial implants placed during previous augmentation procedures sometimes require removal due to complications, shifting, infection, or simply dissatisfaction with the aesthetic outcome.
Dr. David N. Sayah, a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 26 years of experience, offers expert facial implant removal to patients throughout Los Angeles and Beverly Hills who need correction of implant-related concerns. His specialized training at UCLA Medical Center in both implant placement and removal, combined with his extensive experience managing complex facial surgery cases, allows him to safely remove unwanted implants while addressing contour concerns that may result.
As a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons with comprehensive knowledge of facial anatomy, Dr. Sayah delivers outcomes that restore natural facial contours, resolve complications, and create satisfaction whether implants are simply removed or replaced with alternative augmentation methods.
I was referred by a close friend that swore Dr. Sayah would change my life. Over the years I met with so many doctors that kept making me feel unheard and unsure of their recommendations. Once I walked in the office I felt so comfortable. Dr. Sayah addressed all my concerns gave me his recommendations and asked I give it a try first before doing anything else. I trusted him and my gut and let me tell you he was right! If you want someone you can trust and get the results you dreamed of then you don’t need to look any further! Thank you to Dr. Sayah and his wonderful team
Understanding Facial Implant Removal Surgery
Facial implant removal involves surgically extracting chin, cheek, or nose implants that were previously placed for aesthetic augmentation. While facial implants generally provide excellent long-term results for most patients, various circumstances may necessitate removal. Implant shifting or malposition creating asymmetry. Infection requiring implant extraction to resolve. Nerve compression causing pain or numbness. Bone resorption from chronic pressure. Extrusion where implants begin emerging through skin. And personal dissatisfaction with size, shape, or overall appearance.
Modern facial implants are typically solid silicone devices designed for permanent placement. Though older implants may be soft or made from different materials. Removal techniques vary based on implant type, location, reason for removal, and whether replacement with alternative augmentation methods is planned. Dr. Sayah’s experience with diverse implant types and locations ensures safe, effective removal regardless of your specific circumstances.
“Facial implant removal requires thorough understanding of the anatomy altered by previous surgery and careful technique to extract implants without causing additional complications,” explains Dr. Sayah. “Whether removing implants due to complications or aesthetic concerns, my goal is restoring natural facial contours while addressing the issues that necessitated removal in the first place.”
Nose Implant Removal Considerations
Nasal implants carry higher complication rates compared to chin or cheek implants due to the nose’s prominent position, thinner skin coverage, and higher infection risk. Common reasons for nose implant removal include infection requiring prompt removal despite antibiotic treatment. Implant extrusion particularly in smokers or patients with healing complications. Shape changes from shifting or breakage of certain implant types like L-struts. Asymmetry highlighting pre-existing nasal unevenness. And dissatisfaction with aesthetic outcomes requiring removal and possible revision with alternative augmentation materials.
Common Reasons for Chin Implant Removal
Chin implants represent the most commonly placed facial implants. While most patients achieve excellent long-term results, various concerns may necessitate removal:
Chin Implant Concerns:
Implant Shifting or Malposition
Movement of the chin implant from its intended position creates asymmetry with the implant sitting too high, too low, or off-center.
Infection
Bacterial infection of the implant pocket, though rare, requires implant removal to resolve fully as antibiotics alone often prove insufficient.
Chin Asymmetry
Pre-existing chin asymmetry that the implant worsened or new asymmetry from uneven implant placement creates imbalanced appearance.
Nerve Compression
Pressure on the mental nerve causing numbness, tingling, or pain in the chin and lower lip requires prompt removal to prevent permanent damage.
Bone Resorption
Chronic pressure from the implant causing jaw bone erosion can lead to serious complications including tooth loss requiring removal to halt progressive bone loss.
Implant Extrusion
Partial protrusion of the implant through the skin from shifting or wound healing problems requires removal to prevent infection and further tissue damage.
Size or Shape Dissatisfaction
Implants that are too large, too small, or simply don’t create the desired aesthetic outcome can be removed and replaced.
Facial Implant Removal Surgical Approach
Dr. Sayah performs facial implant removal through carefully planned incisions that often utilize the same access points created during original implant placement. For chin implants, access is gained either through incisions beneath the chin or inside the mouth depending on the original placement approach.
Cheek implants are typically accessed through incisions inside the mouth along the upper gum line. Nose implants require access through intranasal incisions or external rhinoplasty approaches depending on implant type and location.
Surgical Technique Elements:
- Strategic Incision Planning: Utilizing original surgical access when possible to minimize additional scarring and tissue disruption.
- Careful Dissection: Through scar tissue from previous surgery to access the implant pocket without damaging surrounding structures.
- Complete Capsule Removal: When significant scar tissue has formed around the implant to prevent contour irregularities.
- Thorough Pocket Irrigation: And infection control measures ensuring complete removal of any contaminated material.
- Contour Assessment: Addressing depressions or irregularities that may remain after implant extraction.
- Meticulous Closure: Using multiple tissue layers and fine sutures to ensure optimal healing and minimize visible scarring.
When implants are being replaced rather than simply removed, Dr. Sayah may place new implants in revised positions, recommend alternative augmentation methods like fat grafting, or suggest allowing complete healing before considering future augmentation.
Fat Grafting as Alternative to Implant Replacement
Many patients choosing facial implant removal opt for fat grafting as a natural alternative to synthetic implant replacement. Fat transfer uses your own fat harvested from areas like the abdomen or thighs, purified, and carefully injected to restore facial volume without foreign materials.
This approach offers several advantages including completely natural feel and appearance, no risk of implant-related complications, ability to fine-tune volume and contours precisely, and permanent results once transferred fat establishes blood supply.
Dr. Sayah frequently combines implant removal with fat grafting in the same procedure. Eliminating implants while simultaneously restoring desired volume using natural tissue that integrates seamlessly with surrounding structures.
What to Expect During Implant Removal Surgery
We typically perform facial implant removal on an outpatient basis at The Sayah Institute’s fully accredited Beverly Hills surgery center. Depending on the number and location of implants being removed, surgery usually takes one to two hours. General anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation ensures your complete comfort throughout the procedure.
Following implant removal, incisions are meticulously closed and light compression dressings may be applied. You’ll rest briefly in our recovery suite before being discharged home the same day with comprehensive post-operative care instructions.
Reasons for Cheek Implant Removal in Los Angeles
With the increasing popularity of fat grafting for facial volume restoration, many patients choose to have firm cheek implants removed and replace lost volume with natural fat transfer. Additional reasons for cheek implant removal include:
Infection develops though rare and requires implant removal for complete resolution. Dental infections or procedures sometimes contribute to cheek implant infection. Facial asymmetry becomes apparent or worsens with cheek implants highlighting pre-existing unevenness requiring removal or exchange. Nerve compression affecting the infraorbital nerve causes facial numbness or pain requiring immediate removal to prevent permanent nerve damage.
Personal dissatisfaction with the size, prominence, or overall appearance of cheek implants motivates removal and possible replacement with alternative augmentation approaches.
Recovery After Facial Implant Removal
Recovery from facial implant removal typically proves more comfortable than the original implant placement procedure. Removal involves less tissue manipulation than initial augmentation surgery.
Recovery Timeline:
- First Few Days: Some swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort are normal but typically less pronounced than after initial implant placement. Apply cold compresses to minimize swelling and discomfort. Follow prescribed antibiotics if removal was performed due to infection. Maintain soft diet if intraoral incisions were used for access.
- First Week: Swelling continues improving and any bruising begins fading. External sutures if used are typically removed around day five to seven. Most patients feel comfortable returning to work and normal activities within one week. Pain is minimal and easily managed with over-the-counter medication.
- Weeks 2-4: Continued resolution of swelling reveals final facial contours. If fat grafting was performed simultaneously, transferred fat begins establishing blood supply and integrating with surrounding tissues. Most visible signs of surgery have disappeared allowing comfortable social interactions.
- Long-Term Results: Final contours stabilize within six to eight weeks once all swelling has resolved. If implants were simply removed without replacement, the area returns to pre-augmentation appearance. If fat grafting was performed, final volume becomes apparent once transferred fat fully integrates over three to six months.
Combining Implant Removal with Other Procedures
We can combine facial implant removal with other procedures to optimize outcomes and minimize overall recovery time. Fat grafting simultaneously replaces volume while avoiding future implant-related concerns. Revision rhinoplasty addresses nasal concerns when nose implants are being removed.
Facelift or other facial rejuvenation procedures coordinate timing when comprehensive facial improvement is desired. Scar revision improves the appearance of scars from previous implant placement surgery. Dr. Sayah will discuss which combination of procedures best addresses your specific goals during consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Facial Implant Removal
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In most cases, removing a facial implant allows tissues to return to their pre-augmentation appearance without significant deformity. If bone resorption occurred beneath the implant, some contour change may be noticeable. Fat grafting can address any volume deficiency if needed, creating smooth contours after implant extraction.
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If implants are being removed for malposition or size dissatisfaction rather than infection, replacement implants can often be placed during the same procedure. However, if removal is due to infection, complete healing must occur before considering new implants, typically requiring several months between procedures.
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The procedure typically takes one to two hours depending on the number of implants being removed, their location, and the amount of scar tissue present. Removal is often quicker and less complex than the original implant placement procedure.
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Most patients experience minimal discomfort following implant removal. The procedure is typically less painful than the original implant placement surgery. Over-the-counter pain medication is usually sufficient for managing any post-operative discomfort during recovery.
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If your facial implants are well-positioned, causing no problems, and creating satisfactory aesthetic results, there is no need for removal. Many patients maintain facial implants successfully for decades without complications. Removal is only necessary when problems develop or dissatisfaction occurs.
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Yes, you can have implants removed and take time to consider whether you want replacement augmentation. Many patients choose to live without implants after removal and find they prefer their natural appearance. Others eventually pursue fat grafting or new implants once healing is complete.
Why Choose The Sayah Institute for Facial Implant Removal
Dr. Sayah’s comprehensive training in facial plastic surgery at UCLA Medical Center includes extensive experience with both implant placement and removal procedures. His 26 years of surgical experience encompasses numerous successful implant removals addressing complications and aesthetic concerns. Patients consistently praise his ability to achieve smooth, natural contours after extraction.
As a board-certified plastic surgeon and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, Dr. Sayah maintains the highest standards of surgical excellence and patient safety. His thorough understanding of facial anatomy and experience managing complex cases ensures safe implant removal regardless of complications present.
Our fully accredited surgery center features state-of-the-art equipment and maintains rigorous safety protocols. Patients throughout Los Angeles and Beverly Hills trust Dr. Sayah for facial implant removal that resolves problems, restores natural contours, and creates satisfaction with facial appearance.
Meet Dr. David Sayah
Dr David Sayah is a board certified plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills known for his natural approach to aesthetic surgery. With more than 26 years of experience, he combines surgical precision with artistic insight to deliver balanced and refined results. His philosophy centers on enhancing individual beauty rather than changing it.
A graduate of the UCLA School of Medicine and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, Dr Sayah trained at leading medical centers including NYU and UCLA. His work in wound healing and scar formation research helps patients heal beautifully with minimal scarring. Fluent in five languages, he welcomes patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and across the world who seek exceptional, natural results.
Schedule Your Facial Implant Removal Consultation in Beverly Hills
If you’re experiencing complications from facial implants or are dissatisfied with your augmentation results, implant removal with Dr. Sayah offers expert correction. Contact The Sayah Institute today to schedule your consultation and discuss your concerns about chin, cheek, or nose implants.
