What Are The Different Effects Between A Chin Implant And A Sliding Genioplasty?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am wondering whether to get a chin implant or a sliding genioplasty for chin. I want my chin to be wider and square from the front view I want vertical and horizontal projection. 

In terms of front view of face, can the sliding genioplasty provide as much chin widening as an implant can for that masculine look? And for the side profile, I am aware that the genioplasty provides more projection. 

A: Thank for your inquiry and sending your picture. You have numerous misconceptions/misinformation about what are the dimensional effects of chin implant vs a sliding genioplasty. So let me provide you with some clarifications:

1) A sliding genioplasty can effectively create more horizontal and/or vertical increases in projection. It, however, does so at the expense of width. Depending upon the degree of horizontal advancement the chin will always get more narrow. It has NO ability to make the chin wider.

2) A standard chin implant can effectively create more horizontal projection and width but can only create very minimal vertical lengthening.

3) The amount of horizontal projection between a standard chin implant and a solidify genioplasty is equal out to 10mms. Beyond that only a sliding genioplasty can add greater horizontal projection.

4) A custom chin implant can create horizontal, vertical and transverse (width) increases. It is the only option that can create a 3D chin augmentation effect.

By your own description you are seeking every dimensional increase possible which can only ideally be met by #4, the custom chin implant.

There is also an amalgamated approach to achieving a 3D effect with the two basic chin augmentation methods, a sliding genioplasty for the horizontal and vertical increases combined with a chin implant overlay to create the width.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana