Is A Sliding Genioplasty or a BSSO Better For Jaw Asymmetry?

Q: Dr. Eppley, Hi, I’m considering a sliding genioplasty to correct lower jaw asymmetry.Was considering a bsso but the procedure seems intensive.What would you suggest?

A Forget about whether one procedure is more ‘intensive’ than the other. What counts is what procedure(s) is most effective for correcting the asymmetry. The first step in any facial asymmetry is to understand the exact anatomy of the jaw asymmetry. Before selecting a procedure you have to know the exact shape of the jaw which requires a 3D CT scan. But I don’t need a 3D CT scan to tell you this:

1) Your jaw asymmetry involves the entire lower jaw, not just one part of the lower jaw. The entire lower jaw is tilted/twisted

2) Neither a sliding genioplasty or a BSSO are the correct procedures to improve the asymmetry as they are 2D procedures for a 3D problem. There is not a bone procedure alone that will solve the problem in its entirety.

3) The most effective jaw asymmetry correction comes from a custom jawline implant as it is a 3D procedure built on an exact visualization of the misshapen jaw bone.

Dr. Barry Eppley

World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon