2026-06-04
Timing and Necessity of Contouring Pin Removal: Why 6 to 18 Months Post-Surgery is the Golden Time
We explore in detail whether to remove fixation pins inserted after facial contouring surgery and the most appropriate timing for the procedure. We help you make a safe decision through step-by-step timing based on bone union status, specific cases requiring removal, and 345 Plastic Surgery's precise diagnostic system.
Is Fixation Pin Removal Absolutely Necessary After Contouring Surgery?
The fixation pins inserted after facial contouring surgery (square jaw reduction, cheekbone reduction, etc.) are made of harmless titanium, meaning there are no medical issues even if they remain in the body for life. However, many people wish to have them removed due to psychological discomfort or specific circumstances. At 345 Plastic Surgery, rather than unconditional removal, we meticulously analyze the state of bone union through 3D-CT imaging before establishing a precise surgical plan.
3 Situations Where You Should Consider Contouring Pin Removal
While pin removal is not mandatory, it is advisable to consult with a specialist to decide on removal in the following cases:
- Aesthetic/Psychological Factors: When you are concerned about the fixation pins showing up on X-rays or CT scans, or if you experience a psychological sensation of a foreign body.
- Convenience of Care: When you want to feel more at ease receiving future laser lifting treatments (Ultherapy, Shurink, etc.) or dental care.
- Physical Symptoms: In rare cases, when you experience an actual foreign body sensation or pain in a specific area.
The Golden Time for Contouring Pin Removal: Between 6 and 18 Months
Pin removal must be performed after the bones have completely fused. If you miss the optimal timing, the difficulty of the surgery may increase.
- Up to 6 Months Post-Surgery: The bones have not yet completely united. Removing the pins at this stage is not recommended due to the risk of bone movement or deformation.
- 6 to 18 Months Post-Surgery (Optimal Period): This is the most appropriate time, as bone union is complete and the fixation pins do not show through the surface of the skin.
- 19 Months Post-Surgery and Beyond: If too much time passes, new bone may grow and encase the plates. In this case, some bone may need to be cut, or removal may become difficult, making precise diagnosis essential.
345 Plastic Surgery's Precise and Safe Removal System
Since fixation pin removal is also a formal surgical procedure, a safety system is crucial. At 345 Plastic Surgery, Chief Director Dr. Jong-lim Park personally performs the surgery, backed by a systematic process.
- Precise 3D-CT Analysis: We minimize tissue damage by accurately determining the degree of bone union and the exact location of the pins.
- Safe Anesthesia System: Three resident anesthesiologists monitor the entire surgical process.
- Surgical Transparency: We alleviate concerns about ghost surgery through a full surgical process recording system.
- Lifting Collaboration: If there are concerns about decreased skin elasticity after pin removal, a lifting program can be performed concurrently through collaboration with Chief Director Dr. Kyu-nam Han.
If you are considering fixation pin removal after contouring surgery, accurately checking your current bone condition is the first step. 345 Plastic Surgery does not recommend unnecessary surgeries and provides medical care in the direction that most benefits the patient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to remove the fixation pins after facial contouring surgery?
No, it is not mandatory to remove them. The inserted fixation pins are made of titanium, which is harmless to the human body, and do not cause medical problems even if they remain in the body for life. However, if you are concerned about psychological discomfort or X-ray exposure, you can choose to remove them.
When is the most appropriate time for facial contouring pin removal surgery?
The most appropriate golden time is between 6 and 18 months after surgery. This period is ideal for surgery because bone fusion is complete and the fixation pins are not exposed on the skin surface. Removal before 6 months is not recommended as the bones may not have fully fused, posing a risk of deformation.
Can't the pins be removed after 18 months post-surgery?
It is not impossible to remove them, but the surgical difficulty may increase. This is because if too much time passes, new bone may grow around and encapsulate the plate. In this case, some bone may need to be resected, or removal may be difficult, so a precise 3D-CT diagnosis is essential.
What examinations are needed before pin removal surgery?
A precise analysis through 3D-CT imaging is required. Only by thoroughly understanding the state of bone fusion and the exact position of the pins through 3D-CT can tissue damage be minimized during surgery and a safe and precise surgical plan be established.
What if skin sagging occurs after pin removal?
If you are concerned about decreased skin elasticity, lifting procedures can be performed concurrently. At Samsaoh Plastic Surgery, a customized lifting program can be performed in conjunction with medical staff collaboration to prevent or improve skin sagging after pin removal surgery.