Will Lengthening My Chin Make My Labiodental Fold Look Less Deep?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I have a fairly deep labiomental groove (~6mm) and acute labiomental angle (~100 degrees). I also have a noticeably recessed (about 5-6 mm behind bottom lip) though still prominent chin. I was hoping to do a sliding genioplasty but don’t want to seriously worsen my labiomental angle and depth. I had three questions (feel free to answer any or all): (1) can vertical lengthening, combined with horizontal advancment, minimize changes to the labiomental angle in genioplasties? (2) does labiomental depth matter on its own for aesthetics, or only the angle? and (3) if you feel the answer to q1 is yes, do you have reccomended ratio of vertical to horizontal advancement that you feel maintains the inital angle? Thank you in advance for any reply or assistance you can provide.

A: In answer to your questions:

1) Any amount of vertical chin lengthening when done with horizontal chin advancement will help mitigate any deepening effect on the labiomental fold.

2) The appearance or depth of the labiomental fold is one of personal aesthetic taste. But most people, regardless of gender, do not like an excessively deep one.

3) An equal amount of vertical:horizontal lengthening (45 degree) or greater will usually keep the labiomental fold depth from getting any deeper.

Dr Barry Eppley

World Renowned Plastic Surgeon