Can Resorbable Plates and Screws Be Used In A Sliding Genioplasty?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am interested in a revision genioplasty because I believe that my chin looks too big in certain angles and I have the step off deformity. The doctor that I consulted said that he could cut and shave the bones to create a more regular jawline and a less prominent chin. I started to look for more information about this procedure and I found one of your blogs, in which you mention that when this is done, a hemostatic resorbable material is used over the bone. I would like to ask you then, what specific materials are used? How long does it take for the body to absorb them? Ar they absorbed in a predictable manner or can they leave jawline irregularities?

A: You are referring to the use of Lactosorb (PLA-PGA polymer) resorbable plates and screws for chin fixation. It takes 6 to 9 months for the devices to be fully absorbed. Whether the chin osteotomy can be fixed with a plate and screws or just bicortical lag screws depends on what amount of chin bone movement is needed.

Dr. Barry Eppley

World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon