What Can I Do About My Stuck Lower Lip After A Sliding Genioplasty?

Q: Dr. Eppley, After my sliding genioplasty my bottom lip is stuck down and can’t move up all the way.  What can I do to fix it?

A: While one side view picture provides limited information, a likely cause is that the vestibule on the inside of the lower lip is contracted down into the bony stepoff that has been created by the bony genioplasty. A side view x-ray and a lip pull test would conform that diagnosis. If so the vestibule needs to be released and the bony stepoff grafted, usually with a dermal-fat graft, to provide improved lower lip mobility.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana