Can The Bone In A Major Sliding Genioplasty Get Displaced From Minor Trauma?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am more interested in a genioplasty than a chin implant.I am looking for movements around 12 mm horizontally and 5 mm vertically. However, I am concerned that a minor impact to the chin in the weeks following the procedure could cause it to relapse a little? How rigid is the plate, before the bone is healed?

A: By looking at your pictures I suspect that the combined movements of 12mm horizomtal and 5mms vertical may be a bit over estimated. But that issue aside I have never seen a patient lose fixation stability after surgery from trauma (if they had it) but that does not mean it could never happen. But the best way to address that potential concern is to add a smaller stabilizing plate on each side of the main plate. (three point fixation)

Dr. Barry Eppley

World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon