Will Inferior Border Shaving Improve My Chin Asymmetry?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I found your website because I have the exact bony chin asymmetry featured on your site. The right side of my chin is very slightly longer. I can feel it easily– the two little bony bits at the bottom of my chin don’t line up and the right side extends a few millimeters further. 

I have uploaded a photo and I have a few questions: 

1. Would the “inferior border shaving” be an option in my case? 

2. If so, what is the recovery time like? Could I potentially drive up for the procedure and drive back the same day? 

3. What would be the estimated cost (or range) for the procedure? 

Thank you for your time,

A: Thank you for your inquiry. In correcting your bony chin asymmetry the only question is whether the incisional approach should be submental (from below) or intraoral. (from above) There are advantages and disadvantages with either approach. To determine the exact amount of reduction needed, preoperative measurements should be done on a panorex x-rays which lays out the two sides of the chin and jawline in a comparative manner. It can also be done on a 3D CT scan as well.

Otherwise this is a one hour outpatient procedure done using dissolve sutures for closure so no suture removal is needed later.

I will have my assistant Camille pass along the cost of such surgery to you by tomorrow. She can also arrange for a virtual consultation time as well.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana