Can My Sliding Genioplasty Be Reversed?

Q: Dr. Eppley, Can my overdone sliding genioplasty be reversed?

A:Thank you for sending your x-rays. While there is not a side view after x-ray, which provides important information as to how much forward and downward bone movement was actually done, I can see in the Panorex that there are bone gaps which suggest there was vertical elongation.

That being said the bone movement can certainly be fully or partially reversed. As to which is the best approach to take I think one has to go back as to why you have the original surgery. It was clear in your lateral preoperative x-ray you had a short chin. Therefore there were merits as to some forward movement, not vertical elongation, but not to the extent which your surgery was done. Surgeons often overlook the difference in the magnitude of chin augmentations that are tolerated between men and women. The point being that subtotal reversal is likely the most prudent approach as you would certainly like to have some benefit for having to go through two surgeries. The only question remains as to how much reversal should be done. As a general guideline in these situations it is usually 50 to 75% of the horizontal movement done.

Dr. Barry Eppley

World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon