How Far Can A Sliding Genioplasty Be Advanced?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I had two chin implants that had various problems so I opted for sliding genioplasty. For this surgery my surgeon drawn some sketches on my x-ray tracing which added 6 mm. I knew my prior implants didn't give vertical length and 6 mm looked fine and he explained about soft tissue draping that it would add some fullness too. I showed him examples of the chin I would like to have. And he said it’s possible. But now I am utterly frustrated as even after talking things through and showing him what I wanted I am stuck with how my chin looked like with an implant with very little added vertical length. Please let me know your thoughts. Should I ask for revision? When I told him my concerns, he said not more than 5-6 mm is possible with sliding genioplasty because that is what the metal plate allows. 

A: My only comments are:

The step chin osteotomy plates go out to 10 to 12 mms, depending upon the manufacturer. I am not familiar with a 6mm advancement limitation by the fixation device. In some patients, there may be a bone thickness limitation for the amount of forward movement that can be achieved. 

When measuring the chin bone for advancement by a sliding genioplasty, the soft tissue does not add any fullness. It moves in a 1:1 relationship with the bone. Therefore, for example, if you want the soft tissue chin point to move 10mms to get a desired look then move the bone 10mms.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana