Can A Wraparound Jaw Implant Decrease The Depth Of The Labiomental Fold?

Q: Dr. Eppley, Hello, I was thinking about getting a custom wrap around jaw implant but I have a few questions. I have recessed chin and a deep labiodental fold. I was wondering if the implant could fix the labiodental fold and also fix the recessed chin by moving the lower lip toward too. I thought a genioplasty plus a chin wing by you would be a better option but I wasn’t sure. I can send you more information about me or pictures if needed when you get back to me, Thanks. 

A: Whatever is done to the chin by any form of osteotomy or jaw implant can never change the depth of the labiomental fold. The labiomental fold is the origin of the mentalis muscle attachment to the bone. It sits above the chin bone prominence on the concave surface of the bone and thus can never be directly changed by any form of chin augmentation. The projection of the lower lip is controlled by the position of the teeth behind it. Thus only by moving the entire lower jaw forward (sagittal split ramus osteotomy) can the lip be brought forward.

This should provide clarification that the decision as to how to improve the projection of the chin or shape of the jaw is done with the knowledge that none of these procedures (short of lower jaw orthognathic surgery) will change the depth of the labiomental fold or the position of the lower lip.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana