Background: Gossypiboma, a foreign-body granuloma induced by a retained surgical sponge, has rarely been reported in relation to the facial bones. The aim of this article is to draw attention to this potentially serious complication. Case presentation: A 37-year-old Middle Eastern female reported to the clinic because of pain, mild swelling and paraesthesia in the anterior mandible area. Her symptoms started 2 years earlier shortly after chin implant surgery that was complicated by a local infection requiring removal of the implant. On clinical examination, there was mild swelling and tenderness in the anterior mandible region. A panoramic radiograph, a computed tomography (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed bilateral well-defined cystic lesions in the parasymphyseal area of the mandible. The patient underwent trephine bone biopsy followed by complete excision of the lesion. Histopathological examination revealed foreign-body granuloma with foreign bodies consistent with gauze, typical findings of gossypiboma. The patient made unremarkable post-operative recovery and her preoperative symptoms subsided completely. Conclusion: Gossypiboma is a rare complication of mandibular surgery. It should be considered in patients with persistent post-operative complaints. CT scan and MRI are the imaging methods of choice in suspected cases. Complete surgical excision is adequate to alleviate the patient's symptoms.