Fixed pins after double jaw surgery and facial contour surgeries! Wondering if you really need to remove them? Be sure to read today’s post thoroughly! Dr. MACS Bong will explain the cases where pin removal is essential!
Today, we will discuss the fixation pins used after double jaw and facial contour surgery. The actual terms are screws and plates. Many patients wonder if these need to be removed after surgery, when the best time for removal is, how the procedure is carried out, and whether they can return to their daily lives right after the pins are removed.
The removal of the pins is typically done 6 months to 1 year after the surgery. If there are no immediate issues or discomfort, it's not necessary to remove the pins right away. However, it is recommended for these individuals to have the pins removed.
First, When oral surgeries are needed; common oral surgeries, such as implant placements and cavity treatments, may involve placing metal or support structures into the bone. If these procedures are too close to or interfere with the existing pins, complications can arise. Therefore, in such cases, it is advisable to have the pins removed.
Second, When diagnotic scanning devices are needed; if you have a tumor in your head or need an MRI or CT scan for other diagnostic reasons, having metal in your face can cause significant noise in the images due to artificial shadows, making them difficult to interpret. For this health-related reason, it is essential to remove the pins beforehand to maximize the diagnostic clarity when getting a CT or MRI near the facial area.
Third, Facial trauma; if you experience facial trauma from an accident causing the pins to bend or break, it’s advisable to remove them immediately, as leaving them in place can cause ongoing irritation.
Fourth, If you want to keep it as a secret; if you have personal reasons for wanting others not to see the area where you had surgery during panoramic X-rays, dental checks, or CT scans, it’s best to have the pins removed.
Fifth, Rejection reaction; if you develop allergies or inflammation around the pins for any reason, and they are determined to be the cause, it is important to remove them promptly.
Sixth, Continuous discomfort; if you experience discomfort or pain due to sudden temperature changes, such as moving from a cold environment to a warm one or vice versa, it may often be related to the metal pins, so removal is advisable.
Seventh, When additional facial surgeries are needed; if you notice asymmetry or are dissatisfied with certain areas after double jaw surgery or facial contour surgery, shaving those areas to achieve a more balanced or ideal face can be beneficial. In such cases, it’s recommended to remove the pins as well.
For patients who have had double jaw surgery and facial contour surgery, it is recommended to remove screws and plates 6 months to 1 year after the procedure. This is because if the plates and screws remain in the body for 5 to 10 years, the bone can grow into the lines of the screws. This can make it difficult to detach the screw during surgery due to surrounding tissues hardening and adhering. It may take significantly longer to remove the screws, leading to extended surgery times of 2, 3, or even 4 hours, delaying the recovery from anesthesia. Therefore, timely removal after 6 months to a year is advisable.
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Q. What if I STILL don't want to remove the pins?
If you prefer not to have the pins removed, it's important to note that the plates and screws are made of titanium, a material commonly used in implants. Titanium is inert within the body, meaning it generally does not react with other substances, and typically it does not cause inflammation or issues. If you are particularly apprehensive about undergoing surgery again or feel that there is no pressing need to remove the pins, it is perfectly fine not to proceed with the removal.
Today, we discussed the plates, screws, titanium pins, and metal materials remaining after double jaw surgery and facial contour surgeries, including when and how they should be removed, and whether removal is necessary. Dr. Park Jae-bong personally recommends removing the plates and screws 6 months to 1 year after surgery to prepare for any potential future.