A Case of Rhomboid-to-W technique Application at the Fistula of the Chin Caused by Silicone Implant Infection

Abstract

Chin augmentation using silicone implants is often performed in the field of cosmetic surgery, and has been associated with greater bone resorption and postsurgi-cal infections. Herein, we encountered a case of bone resorption and fistula that occurred in a patient who had undergone silicone implantation at another hospital. We removed the implant and performed fistula closure using the rhomboid-to-W technique. A 39-year-old woman visited our hospital because a fistula with pus discharge had developed in the lower portion of the mental region. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed the presence of a silicone implant, as well as compression of the bone in the midline of the anterior region of the mandible. The fistula was contiguous with the silicone implant. Based on the medical history and image-based findings, the patient was diagnosed with an infection caused by the silicone implant. For removal of the implant and fistula closure, the rhomboid-to-W technique was applied because of the availability of a secured surgical field and consideration for postoperative esthetics. Two years after surgery, the progress remains favorable.