How Do You Measure The Bone Removed In A Chin Reduction?

Q: Dr. Eppley, When you do a chin reduction, how do you determine beforehand how much bone can be vertically removed. You mentioned about the panorex film (I think this is just a dental x-ray but I could be wrong) I think it is pertinent that I get you a copy so you could realistically tell me how much of a reduction I could likely achieve. This way I will know for sure whether there is a noticeable reduction. I would prefer more of a noticable reduction so it seems like the submental approach is advisable- but what about the scar on my chin, how long will it be and where exactly is it made?

A: A panorex is the ‘wraparound’ dental film that you may likely already have in your dentist’s office. In a submental chin reduction, the incision is on the underside of the chin and the key is to keep it curved (following the curve of the jawline but behind it) and to not have it extend any further underneath the chin horizontally than the distance between vertical lines dropped down from the corners of the mouth.