[Column] Is It Necessary to Remove Fixation Pins After Orthognathic and Facial Contouring Surgery?

Many people choose procedures like orthognathic surgery or facial contouring surgery to reduce the size of their face and achieve a slimmer facial line. If the surgery only involves bone reshaping without repositioning, fixation pins are not used. However, if the surgery involves osteotomy (bone cutting) and repositioning to change the overall facial shape, fixation pins are employed.

Fixation pins are used to stabilize the repositioned bone, preventing it from moving and facilitating proper healing. The time required for the bone to fully fuse in its new position can vary from person to person, but it generally takes around 6 months. The pins can be removed once the bone has stabilized.

The fixation pins used in surgery are made of titanium and do not usually interfere with daily life. However, if there is concern about the pins being visible in hospital X-rays, problems at airport security checks, a desire to keep the surgery private, or rare cases of foreign body reactions, removal of the pins might be considered.

Pin removal surgery can be performed at least 6 months after contouring surgery. Since bone or muscle may adhere to the pins, it is advisable to perform the removal within 2 years. It is important to use 3D CT imaging to accurately locate the pins and perform the surgery through minimal incisions only where the pins are located. This approach ensures a shorter recovery time and less swelling, so careful planning with experienced medical professionals is essential.

Dr. Kwon Soon Beom, the representative medical director of ARC Plastic Surgery Clinic in Gangnam, who graduated from Seoul National University, stated, "Pin removal surgery is not mandatory, but it is recommended if you prefer to keep the surgery undisclosed, want to avoid visibility on MRI or X-rays, are concerned about potential impacts on the surgery area, or experience discomfort or pain."

He further advised, “Before the surgery, check the exact location of the pins and the condition of the bones using 3D CT, ensure that only minimal incisions are made at the pin locations, verify the experience of the medical team, and confirm that safety systems are well-established to enhance overall safety.”

Source: Jeonmin Daily (전민일보)