How Does A Vertical Lengthening Custom Chin Implant Compare To A Vertical Lengthening Bony Genioplasty?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am currently 26 years old with a standard chin implant in. I am interested in a custom chin implant and I was wondering what the price was. 

I am currently trying to decide between a vertical lengthening sliding genioplasty or a custom vertical lengthening chin implant. 

I have included the implant in an attached photo. I want to know if the implant in the photo is considered just a chin implant (though it extends into the lateral mandible) or if it is considered a wraparound implant.

A: You are referring to an extended custom chin implant which costs the same whether the extended wings are there or not.

FYI such an implant design and a vertical lengthening bony genioplasty do not create the same aesthetic effects. While both add vertical length (the bony genioplasty greater than the implant) only the implant adds width to the chin and creates a seamless transition back along the jawline. In other words you are not comparing apples to apples so to speak.

Dr. Barry Eppley

World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon