How Soon After My Sliding Genioplasty Can I Have It Reversed?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I had a sliding genioplasty to advance my chin 6mm forward 7 weeks ago. I know that I am still early in the healing phase but I hate my chin so far and I feel like it’s not so swollen anymore. It makes my face seems a lot longer and narrower. From a 3/4 view, it looks too pointy and doesn’t match my face. I know that with facial cosmetic procedures it can be hard for patients to accept their new faces but I feel like I won’t ever like this chin. I am thinking to reverse it (3-4mm backwards) but I would like to know when is the best time to get it done. Some surgeons say that it’s best done 6-8 weeks after the surgery or that I should get it done between 3 and 6 months while other doctors say that I should wait 6 months for the bone to heal. My surgeon said that a new surgery so early is too risky and that it could end with a bone necrosis. I am ready to wait a few months because I don’t want to take a hasty decision. When is the best time to get it done ? Is 4mm too much? I am 18 years old, I don’t want my skin to sag. Thank you

A: At 7 weeks out you can do it anytime now. The so called risk of bone necrosis is a non-factor in my opinion and experience. Just get it done as soon as you can at this point after surgery.

Dr. Barry Eppley

World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon