Sliding Genioplasty and Chin Implant Removal

Q: Dr. Eppley, I had a double jaw surgery one month ago to advance my lower jaw about 8mms. I also had a chin implant placed more than ten years ago. After the surgery, as the swelling goes away, I can tell the advancement was not sufficient and my chin is still a bit recessed. I’m considering getting a sliding genioplasty to get more advancement. Also the sliding genioplasty would replace the chin implant as it does not look very natural when I smile. When would be a good time to do the chin bone movement after lower jaw advancement? 

A: You can certainly do a sliding genioplasty with a chin implant in place. Or you can remove the chin implant and do the sliding genioplasty at the same time. The amount of additional horizontal chin bone movement equals the width of the chin implant to be removed plus the advancement needed for improved chin projection as determined by external chin measurements. I would wait a full three months after the double jaw surgery to let all the swelling go away and have a full recovery from that surgery before proceeding with the bony chin advancement.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana