Successful hardware removal based on length of time

[improvedchin]

So is it true that the longer you keep the plate and screws in after a sliding genioplasty, the lower the risk of relapse after plate / screws removal? Thanks.

[Vic]

You don't have to remove the screws at all, they can stay in forever

[improvedchin]

Well if I wanted to remove them, would the best way to prevent relapse to wait as long as possible before having plate and screws removed? It's almost been 2 years since my sliding genioplasty. So would waiting another year or so further prevent relapse? Thanks.

[Vic]

Well if I wanted to remove them, would the best way to prevent relapse to wait as long as possible before having plate and screws removed? It's almost been 2 years since my sliding genioplasty. So would waiting another year or so further prevent relapse? Thanks.

Yea, 2 years is more than enough time. The bones would have healed already, so will be fine to get them removed. But why do you want to take them out, because you'll need to go back into surgery and pay for them to be removed?

[needadvancement]

Keep in mind though the screws and plates may be part of shaping your new chin so removing them could have aesthetic  consequences. Just something to keep in mind.

[improvedchin]

Oh how so? Have there been cases where the chin lost projection or didn't look as nice aesthetically after hardware removal? Thanks.

[needadvancement]

For myself I have a bit of asymetry because there is a plate/screws on the left side which give my chin a bit more fullness on that side. And I think it's about 1 mm of added projection from the plates but hey every mm counts right.

[Bobbit]

Oh how so? Have there been cases where the chin lost projection or didn't look as nice aesthetically after hardware removal? Thanks.

The plates & screws sometimes become embedded with boney overgrowth over time.  The chin should be stable by this time - -  but you should get a radiograph and have it reviewed appropriately to make sure the bone has fused.   Sometimes there can be a non-union that is not otherwise known.

Taking out the plates & screws (if they are over grown with bone) can be a surgical challenge.  Conceivably causing collateral damage - - - as others have suggested.

[improvedchin]

Thanks for all the informative answers! Yes, nonunion sounds pretty scary. Has anyone here ever experienced nonunion or know of anyone who has? What are some typical symptoms for this anyway? Thanks.

[jusken]

I've had all my plates removed after jaw surgery except for the ones along the mandible.  I'm glad I did, they were really obtrusive.  It was a fairly simple procedure, totally painless, but do expect a good deal of swelling (~7 days).   I had the genioplasty plate removed about 2 years after the surgery and it wasn't a problem.  Personally I'd say just go for it if it bothers you - my insurance even covered most of it. 

[improvedchin]

Did you have any relapse or any notable changes aesthetically? Or did your chin look the same as it did prior to removal?

Also, does keeping the hardware in longer further prevent relapse?