How Can I Avoid Notching From A Sliding Genioplasty?

Q: Dr. Eppley, hello, I am wanting to have a sliding genioplasty done. I had a consultation with an oral surgeon and was told that one of the risks are that two small grooves on either side of my chin my occur as a result. She recommends advancing 9mm. But i wanted to ask you in terms of your technique is there something that could be done to avoid these? Does the amount of advancement play a role in the dents? i appreciate your time, i am just looking to make the right decision. 

Thank you.

A: Inferior border notching is an inevitable sequalae of most sliding genioplasties. The larger the movement the more likely it will occur. Suffice it to say at 9mms you can assume it will occur. There are ways to lessen it such as a low angled osteotomy cut or concurrently filling in the notch with various types of grafts/materials.

The question is not whether it will occur but whether it will turn out to be aesthetically bothersome and whether any of the intraoperative strategies can sufficiently reduce/eliminate the notching.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana