Sliding Genioplasty

Q: Dr. Eppley, I had a sliding genioplasty done two months ago and I think that it has shifted. I am not sure if there is a gap on part of it because of the shift. I would like your opinion and evaluation. 

A: Thank you for your inquiry. I understand that you think your sliding genioplasty has shifted. Did you have any x-rays after surgery or any now that would help understand if that is what has happened? It is also possible that as all swelling has finally subsided any asymmetries can become more apparent which are masked for the first 4 to 6 weeks after surgery due to the swelling. Please send me some pictures or anything that shows where you see the chin/jawline asymmetry. It is also more likely than not that the gap you see is the step-off at the tail end of the sliding genioplasty along the jawline behind the chin.

An under appreciated aspect of any sliding genioplasty is that it causes a disruption of the inferior border of the jawline. Depending upon the angle of the bone cut and the amount of forward advancement of the chin, the inferior border disruption may be minimal or significant.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana