Will My Deepened Labiomental Fold After A Sliding Genioplasty Be Permanent?

Q: Dr. Eppley, Will my labiomental fold eventually soften? I had a 5 mm sliding genioplasty 5 weeks ago, and around weeks 3.5 to 4 I noticed a really deep crease in that area. It’s worrying me that it might stay like this. My surgeon says I’m still swollen based on my photos, but my bottom lip feels tight with certain movements and my smile still isn’t back to normal. Will that crease improve after the full 3 months of recovery, or is this likely how it will look? Thank you!

A: The full effects of a sliding genioplasty, like any facial bony reshaping procedure, wil be fully seen when all swelling has resolved and the soft tissue shrink wrap effect will have occurred. This is around the 3 month postoperative time period. It is fair to say that with any chin augmentation procedure, implant or bony advancement, the labiomental fold is going to get deeper. This is an expected and unavoidable sequelae of the surgery. The question is never whether the labiomental fold will get deeper but by how much. As for lower lip tightness longer postoperative time periods are needed to determine that outcome.

Dr. Barry Eppley

World Renowned Plastic Surgeon