Sliding Genioplasty

Q: Dr. Eppley, I’ve had a chin implant procedure. The photos are of me about a year after the procedure. I am not fully satisfied with the size. Do you think a sliding genioplasty (perhaps while keeping the implant I have) would help? I don’t think I look bad, but I would like to have a more masculine face.

A: Thank you for your inquiry and sending your pictures. I would agree that your chin projection is still inadequate and could be further improved. The question is whether this is best done by a new custom made implant or whether a sliding genioplasty should be done keeping the existing implant in place. The answer to that can not be completely derived from profile pictures. It would be helpful to know the size of your existing chin implant and where it is positioned on the bone. These pics of information you are not likely to know and are best determined from getting a 3D CT scan. That will provide invaluable treatment planning information. It is clear in your profile view that you need at least another 7mms of chin advancement and come vertical lengthening as well. But your front view pictures would also be helpful so see what your chin width is. A sliding genioplasty in the front view will usually make the chin more narrow and not wider so this is an important assessment to make.

Please send a front view picture for my assessment. We can help you get a 3D CT scan where you live. You simply find a facility where you want it done and we will fax the order to them for you to get it.

Dr. Barry Eppley
Indianapolis, Indiana