Can A Sliding Genioplasty Be Reversed?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I had upper jaw surgery and a sliding genioplasty done four years ago when I was 18 years old. I have never been happy with the results on my chin and would like it reversed, is this possible? The surgery left indention’s on the sides of my chin and a upturned appearance to the chin.

A: A Sliding genioplasty can be reversed in the same fashion as it was done originally…the bone is cut and moved back to its original position. I suspect based on your description of the chin issues (notch deformities on the distal ends of the cuts and an upturned chin) that the angle of the genioplasty cuts was too steep. This moves the chin as much upward as it brings it forward and leaves a v-shaped notch on the lower edge of the jawline where the chin bone moved forward.