Sliding Genioplasty Reversal

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am interested in a sliding genioplasty reversal. Several years years ago I had a chin reduction (sliding genioplasty 4mm). It left me with a short face and excess tissue. I then had a small button chin implant (2mm) inserted to try and reverse the outcome. I still have a short chin and excess tissue under neath my chin. Also from a side view it looks like there is an indent where the scar is and then tissue/fat. Also I have formed a jowl on my left side. I originally had a smooth chin/neckline. I’m wondering if it’s possible to do a sliding genioplasty with the small implant still intact. (mainly vertically 2mm) to help the short frontal view. I’d like to look more like my original face (never should have started down this road). Will a sliding genioplasty help the excess tissue? Will it tighten my neckline? Is it possible to do a sliding genioplasty with an excision under the chin instead of intraoral to try to avoid complications with the lips? Thank you for your time. 

A: The answer is you can do a sliding genioplasty with a chin implant in place, I have done it many times. This is the correct procedure to pick up the loose tissues and improve your jawline. Remember a sliding genioplasty setback (which never works satisfactorily for a chin reduction) got you where you are today…and only reversing it is going to help get you out it. (sliding genioplasty reversal) It will have to be done intraorally and not from a submental approach.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana