Sliding Genioplasty and Deep Labiomental Fold

Q: Dr. Eppley, I was looking through some of your before and after pictures for sliding genioplasties, but could not find something I was looking for in particular. I am just wondering if you do sliding genioplasties on patients with a convex chin (moderately deep labiomental fold)? I have a slightly convex chin, which is especially true when I bite down due to a slight overbite. My chin is fairly recessed (15-18 mm), but I don’t intend to make it perfect, an 8mm horizontal projection would be adequate based on some of the morphs I have done. I am just wondering is it even possible to get an 8 mm projection with a slightly convex chin, without acquiring a “witches chin”?

A: An 8mm horizontal projection increase is fairly standard in sliding genioplasties in my experience. Whether that avoid your concerns of a ‘witches chin’ is hard for me to answer because I don’t know your definition of that term. In the medical sense that is a soft term used to describe a sagging soft tissue pad which is not a phenomenon ever seen in a sliding genioplasty due to the enhanced bone support that naturally occurs to the soft tissue chin pad from the procedure. It will, of course, deepen your labiomental fold.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indianapolis