Am I A Good Candidate For A Sliding Genioplasty?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I have been dissatisfied with my lower third for years. Specific concerns include an undefined jawline, deep nasiolabal folds, lip incompetence, mentalis muscle strain when I try to close my mouth, and a slight overbite. I also have non-cosmetic issues like chronic snoring. Recently, I’ve realized many of my issues may be due to a weak/short chin. I like the idea of a genioplasty for my chin because while I would like to improve its projection and slightly reduce its vertical height, I do not want to change my appearance drastically or look like someone else; my goal is simply to improve my overall facial harmony and address structural issues. Based on this and my photos, would I be a good candidate for sliding genioplasty?

A: Thank you for your inquiry, detailing your chin concerns and sending all of your pictures to which I can say the following:

1) You are a good candidate for a sliding genioplasty to which you have addressed the correct dimensions…forward and shorter.

2) How much forward and shorter is open to discussion. But, as a general rule, the real aesthetic risk is in too much forward projection in women. It is usually important to keep a more retroclined profile chin position from the nasal tip and lips. (see attached)

3) Given the amount of chin bone movement I would not expect any improvement in your snoring. It usually takes 10 to 12mms of bony chin advancement for that to occur.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana