How Stable Is A Sliding Genioplasty Long Term?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am a male interested in getting a sliding genioplasty to advance my chin both horizontally and vertically, as well as making it wider. How stable is this procedure short and long term? Is there a chance for bone resorption or the need to do a second surgery due to the chin shifting/non union between the bones? Have you seen such cases? Or simply put, would the results I get after the procedure most likely stay for life without any further complications? Would love to know. 

A: The one piece sliding genioplasty is a very stable procedure that is associated with minimal resorption (less than 5%) but that will vary with the degree of movement. But in general it is clinically irrelevant. However when you split the bone into two pieces to widen it you introduce an additional variable which leads to a higher potential for asymmetries and irregularities. 

Non-union of a sliding genioplasty, while an item on the all-inclusive list of potential complications, is not a problem I have ever seen in the past 30 years with over 500 bony chin procedures performed. Nor would I expect it to since the chin is not a functionally loaded bone, it has only aesthetic significance.

Dr. Barry Eppley

World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon