What Is The Reason A Sliding Genioplasty Is Combined With A Custom Jawline Implant?

Q: Dr. Eppley, Plastic Surgery Case Study – Combining A Custom Jawline Implant with a Sliding Genioplasty This was an interesting article you wrote. Thankyou. Here are my thoughts: I like the idea of a sliding genioplsty (only for the chin) but if resorption of the bone stemming from silicone implants is a primary reason folks go the SG route then doesn’t this approach sort of defeat the purpose? (overlaying to 2 mmm of silicone over a 10 mm SG advancement) or are the forces acting upon the chin different enough in that situation to not be overly concerned? Can you use Peek Custom Jaw Implants that taper down to the chin area for a smooth transition (that covers any step-offs) but doesn’t actually cover the chin in order to avoid resorption concerns on the chin? My other question is do you use custom printed cutting guides and custom built plates to secure the SG?  I estimate I need about 5mm horizontal and 5mm vertical but of course, a digital mock up or 3D printed template might lead to a better visualization in order to confirm.

A: I think you missed the main reason a sliding genioplasty is combined with a custom jawline…it is done when the amount of chin augmentation exceeds what the soft chin pad can tolerate. (stretch over an implant) Thus only a sliding genioplasty can be used for the amount of chin augmentation needed.

Can the jawline implant be made of PEEK and can cutting guides be used for the chin….yes on both counts as long as the patient can tolerate the additional costs to do so. And that the use of a very rigid material like PEEK will not permit the jawline implant to fiully merge into the sliding genioplasty. (its rigidity prohibits such placement)

Dr. Barry Eppley

World Renowned Plastic Surgeon