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Chin Implant Vs Sliding Genioplasty

I'd like my chin/jaw to look stronger. It sounds like there are two possible solutions:

  1. Implant: This would add more projection, but not height. Some implants extend along the jaw (Mittelman prejowl chin implant). Would this improve the chin/jaw's strength without lengthening the chin's vertical height?
  2. Sliding Genioplasty: This would involve cutting the chin bone and repositioning it. This could be used add vertical height to the chin, but I wonder if additional height is even necessary to achieve my goal of a stronger chin and jaw.

When is it preferable to choose an implant over sliding genioplasty?

Asked 34 months ago by rilian in San Francisco, CA
Sort 8 expert answers by:
+2

The Choice of Chin Implants vs Chin Osteotomies Depends On The Problem

While chin implants are by far the most common method of chin augmentation, they are not ideal for absolutely everyone. Large chin deficiencies as well as vertical chin problems may be better treated by moving the chin bone to a better position. When horizontal chin deficiences are greater than 10mms (as determined by a side view picture), then one needs to carefully consider the osteotomy option. Off-the-shelf chin implants do not usually give more than 10mm of projection. When the chin... more
Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD
Indianapolis Plastic Surgeon
+2

Sliding Genioplasty: Safe, Effective, Easy Procedure

As a craniofacial surgeon (one who is board certified in plastic surgery and fellowship-trained in craniofacial surgery), I have performed numerous sliding genioplasties as well as implant procedures to strengthen the chin. Both procedures are very straight forward, take about the same amount of time to perform, and can be effective in most cases.  However, there are multiple benefits to performing a genioplasty in which the chin is cut and the bone is advanced and then secured in... more
Jeffrey Weinzweig, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+2

Chin implant options

The simplest explanation is that sliding genioplasty is used most often for assymetries of bone while an implant is best used when their is symmetry of sides.  Many genioplasties are performed in the setting of a normal chin enhancement.
Raffy Karamanoukian, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
+2

Chin Implant Almost Certainly A Better Option

Chin augmentation can be done by either adding an artificial material (chin implant) or by moving your own bone forward (sliding genioplasty).  A sliding genioplasty is a much more complex operation, requires a larger incision, has a higher rate of complication, is far more dificult to undo, has a longer healing time, and puts your teeth and nerves at greater risk.  In addition, there are dozens of chin implant shapes and sizes to pick from compared to very limited options with a... more
Louis W. Apostolakis, MD
Austin Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Chin implant or sliding genioplasty

The choice between a  chin implant or a sliding genioplasty depends on the individual patient's's anatomy.  Most patients would be better served with a well planned and executed Chin implant augmentation.  Sliding genioplasty has a higher complication profile, and should be reserved for the patients that can not be helped with chin implant surgery alone.  A well trained and experienced surgeon should be able to guild you in your choice.
Boris M. Ackerman, MD
Newport Beach Plastic Surgeon
+1

Sliding genioplasty vs chin implant augmentation

These can achieve different results and there is no one correct operation for all patients. You should discuss these options with your surgeon and review the risks alternatives and beneifts. Implants can be removed and are therefore have the potential to reverse the surgical results if desired. Sliding or osseous genioplasty is a technically more challenging surgical procedure and does involve greater risk.
Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Choosing a chin implant or sliding genioplasty depends on your aesthetics

I discovered a new theory on facial beauty called the Circles of Prominence. Based on this theory, the bottom of your chin should be about three iris widths from the center of your lower lip. This is ideal in a female. But for males, this distance can be larger. Males are distinguished significantly by the appearance of their jaws or lower third of the face. Also the prominence at the bottom of the chin should be about 3 iris widths but in men can be larger. The larger the chin the more... more
Philip Young, MD
Bellevue Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Chin Implants Are Much Much Safer`

Chin augmentation using extended implants are a much better alternative for 95% of the patients we see requesting a stronger chin. Within 7-10 days most of our patients can return to any social situation. Pain is minimal and complications rare. In fact the procedure is done under IV sedation and takes less than 15 minutes to perform while the sliding genioplasty is much more costly, has a much higher incidence of problems, and a longer post-op course. This one should be a "no... more
S. Randolph Waldman, MD
Lexington Facial Plastic Surgeon
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