Chin Reduction – Submental Bone Burring vs. Sliding Genioplasty

Q: Dr. Eppley, I want a chin reduction and already had one 5 years ago through under the chin. I feel its still too long and broad and pointy. It needs 6mm vertical reduction and 6mm horizontally reduced and tapered to narrow it. Is it best to perform a osteotomy reduction or burring it instead? Also I have muscle that pulls down the soft tissues when I smile still even though its less than previously. Also is sliding genioplasty the same as osteotomy reduction?

A: When it comes to a combined 6mm vertical reduction and a 6mm horizontal reduction, the submental approach is essential because it can manage the resultant excessive soft tissue that will result from such soft tissue deflation from the substantial bone removal. While sliding genioplasty can effectively reduce the vertical height, sliding the chin backward will create a submental fullness as the excess soft tissue must go somewhere. A submental approach is always the most effective for a 3D chin reduction. When you slide the chin bone back, two negative aesthetic consequences occur…the back ends of the genioplasty stick out below the inferior border (creating a bump) and the attached muscles bunch up. (which is why liposuction won’t solve it)

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana