Is A Sliding Genioplasty Reversal Surgery Possible?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am interested in a sliding genioplasty reversal. I had a 6-7 mm sliding advancement genio a little over four months ago (no vertical change, just a straightforward Sagittal advancement secured with a single titanium bone plate). From the beginning, I hated it. Even as the swelling has gone down I think it makes me look masculine, old, and like I have gained weight. I regret it so much and cry every day. I know I can’t go on like this but I am worried that reversing the procedure completely will give me jowls, which I never had to begin with. I understand you have some experience with reversing the procedure and I’m wondering if you think I will ever look like I used to. Thanks and please write back as soon as possible, I am becoming extremely depressed.

A: Sliding genioplasty reversal surgery can be successfully done. I have done two such procedures just in the last month. I do not have a picture of what you looked like before to see if you can return to your previous look. But that issue aside, if you put the chin back form whence it came I see no reason why you wouldn’t return to your preop appearance. You are obviously young with good skin elasticity so you should return without a high risk of jowling. The way to hedge that risk of howling in a setback genioplasty is to just go back 4 or 5mms and end up with an overall 1 – 2mm advancement change from the original. There is some reason you had the genioplasty and this may be a good compromise approach.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana