Can I Get A Custom Jawline Implant After Orthognathic Surgery?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I had double jaw surgery to correct a severe underbite three years ago. An 8mm sliding genioplasty was also performed at that time. While I look and feel much better now, my jawline still lacks definition from the sides, and my chin falls slightly short of what I believe is the optimal position (the pink of my lip). I would love to discuss custom jaw implants and the options which may exist for me. 

A: Thank you for your inquiry and sending your pictures. Orthognathic surgery provides a good skeletal foundation but it’s effects are largely in the sagittal dimension and thus can never create improved jaw definition, it only creates better chin projection. But now you are seeking the proverbial ‘icing on the cake’ so speak for the lower jaw of which a custom jawline implant is the better procedure to do so. (see attached imaging as one potential type of change) Your fixed deep labiomental sulcus is an issue to be aware of and may need to be addressed as any further chin projection is going to magnify its depth.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana