Do chin implants look as natural as a genioplasty? I have a recessed chin.

Question

My dr. seems keen on a chin implant over a genioplasty as he says I only need slight augmentation, but when I look at photos of chin implants they look beak like. How do I ensure I don't end up with a beak? I have an overbite from my jaw alignment. So even with chin implant or genioplasty my lower lip will sit back from he upper lip quite a bit. is there anything other than lip filler that I can do to correct this so my lower lip matches the position of the new chin?

Michael P. Morrissette, DDS, FACS · Answer

While chin implants come in many shapes and sizes and can improve horizontal chin projection, the genioplasty procedure can move the natural chin in any direction and provide a greater horizontal projection than a chin implant. In patients that have a recessive jaw that have undergone braces without corrective jaw surgery, I obtain a better and more natural result with the genioplasty procedure. In patients with isolated recession of the chin, a silicone chin implant works well. In our office, we perform both procedures with intravenous sedation. There is more post-operative swelling following the genioplasty procedure, but young patients are recovered in about a week.

Regina Rodman, MD · Answer

Great question.  Without seeing you in person, I can't give you an exact answer, but I can tell you some things that I generally see in my patients. 1- Not many doctors are trained or comfortable doing an osseous genioplasty so they push for implants2- Implants are good for moving the chin in the horizontal plane, up to about 6-8mm.  Only an osseous genioplasty will move the chin back, down or correct asymmetry3- There are different sizes and shapes of chin implants.  Some shapes do look like a beak if they are not chosen to match the face4- Genioplasty will correct the chin and help with the lower lip but not the biteI hope that helps!  You are welcome to come in anytime to discuss your options furtherBest of LuckDr Rodman

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

You would have to better define what you interpret as 'beak-like' in chin implant photos. That will help deternne if a sliding genioplasty produces a more natural result by comparison. This may be a reflection of the type pf chin implant used. With an existing overbite it may be that a sliding genioplasty looks better as it moves the bone and attached soft tissues forward. You have astutely pointed out that the lower lip will not move with either type of chin augmentation procedure. Only moving the entire jaw forward will improve the lower lip as the teeth push forward against the lower lip.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Chin implants are manufactured in a large array of sizes, thicknesses, and shapes which is best determined at the time of the consultation and examination. Chin implants are placed under local anesthesia as an outpatient procedure which takes approximately 30 minutes. A sliding genioplasty is performed by an oral surgeon under general anesthesia in a hospital setting with an overnight stay, and is much more invasive. A sliding Genioplasty is usually performed when the teeth are significantly out of alignment. For many examples of chin implants only, please see the link and the video below

Myriam Loyo, MD · Answer

This is a great question. When a chin implant is placed, we place it on top of the bone in the chin. When we pursue a sliding genioplasty, the bone of the chin is moved forward. In addition to a sliding genioplasty, sometimes the jawbone itself is moved forward (this is done for correction of the bite). The recovery for the chin implant is certainly the simplest given that no cuts in the bone are necessary. When the bone of the chin is moved forward during a sliding genioplasty, hardware (meaning screws and a small plate) are necessary to secure the bone in its new position. One of the aspects to consider when thinking of an augmentation is the depth of the labiomental crease - meaning the transition between the lower lip and the chin. A simulation can be helpful to look at the expected results of a chin implant and/or a sliding genioplasty. Hope this helps!

P. Craig Hobar, MD(retired) · Answer

Thank you for your questions. Many plastic surgeons, even the very best ones, are not trained in performing sliding genioplasties and can tend to push for implants. An implant is exactly that, an implant. It is not natural and therefore can change the shape of your chin depending on the type used. A sliding genioplasty in contrast will move your own natural chin horizontally and sometimes vertically as well. I tend to lean toward this as I prefer a more natural augmentation and the movements can be very precise. A set of in-office measurements will help determine how much change is needed both in projection and vertical in order to give you the most optimal facial balance. As far as the lip, there are a few options for that. You could discuss with your surgeon about more permanent augmentation options that could be performed during surgery. I would suggest asking your surgeon to perform computer imaging to give you a better idea of the expected outcome. This can help you both get on the same page for the results you are seeking! I wish you the best of luck!

Do chin implants look as natural as a genioplasty? I have a recessed chin.

Answers (6)

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