Is Mentalis Muscle Asymmetry Common After A Sliding Genioplasty?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I had a sliding genioplasty 4mm forward about 6 weeks ago. The swelling has gone down and now I am seeing my mentalis muscle become asymmetry and bulging whenever I talk. The muscle looks overly hyperactive and detach from the bone especially prominent on the left side of my chin that looks deformed. Prior to surgery, I had very mild dimple chin but nothing like an over active muscle bulging out when making expressions. The surgery has ruined my face.

Is this a common complication for genioplasty? Other than Botox that requires on going long term treatment, is there any surgical option to fix the bulging mentalis muscle?

A: It is not a complication I have yet seen after a sliding genioplasty x greater than 500 cases so I would say it not common in my experience. That does not mean it has never happened, just that no one has yet brought it to my attention.

Dr. Barry Eppley

World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon