Will A Sliding Genioplasty Make My Lower Lip Smaller?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I’m interested in getting a sliding genioplasty surgery to advance my chin both horizontally and vertically in a significant way. I was hoping to schedule a consultation soon and ideally have the surgery completed by the end of this calendar year. I have attached a photo of my current side profile for reference. I suspect a genioplasty will correct a lot of the issues with the proportions of my face and make the nose appear smaller, and I was under the impression it would reduce the size of my lower lip as well. Is this true?

A:I believe you have correctly surmised that the proper dimensional changes to your chin are a combined horizontal and vertical, otherwise known as a 30 to 45 degree chin elongation. You are also correct in that it will improve your facial proportions and make your nose appear smaller. It is not necessarily true, however, that the lower lip will get smaller. While that is possible it has not been my experience.

The key question then becomes how much of a dimensional movement of your chin looks good to you. To begin that discussion I have attached an image to start you thinking about the degree of chin augmentation change you seek.

Dr. Barry Eppley

World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon