Is My Persistent Chin Tightness and Lower Lip Droop Normal After A Sliding Genioplasty?

Q: Dr. Eppley, Last year I had a sliding genioplasty performed in Korea. While I like the shape and projection of my new chin, I have a constant sensation of tightness and my bottom lip feels like it’s being pulled downward and sits lower than previously which exposes more of my lower teeth. I also find that it’s awkward when speaking and my mouth no longer remains closed during sleep causes me to drool. I was hoping you can offer some professional insight as to whether what I’m experiencing is consistent with the healing process as I have been told by the surgeon in Korea. I have attached my X-Ray photos to hopefully shed some light.  

A: While it is typical that tightness and lower lip changes do occur after any chin bone surgery, these issues should be largely resolved by almost one year after surgery. if you look carefully at your before and after cephalomertic x-rays it is evident that your lower lip was already pulled down at this early point after surgery. (yes I know there is swelling but lower lip distraction is not a good sign even right after surgery) I am afraid at this point after surgery that your tight sensations and lower lip position are now beyond part of a normal recovery and will be not be self-solving problems. You have lost vestibular height and soft tissue volume and plasticity.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana