Can A Sliding Genioplasty Be Done From An Incision Under The Chin?

Q: Dr. Eppley, Hi Dr. Eppley, I’m interested in chin implant removal and then a sliding genioplasty. I would like to use a submental incision, and I was wondering if this is possible?

A:Thank you for your inquiry. The question as to whether a sliding genioplasty can be done externally from a below (submental incision) is an interesting one and not the first time I have heard that question. When coming from below there are three technical challenges/problems:

1) degloving of the soft tissues from access (which provides the blood supply for the bone to survive

2) angle of the bone cut

3) application of plate and screw fixation

Having done lots of submental bony chin reductions, I can envision how all three challenges can be overcome as long as the bone movement is not excessive….although I have never yet done the sliding genioplasty operation from this approach myself.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana