In an genioplasty for moving forward the chin: What are the chances of losing sensitivity and movement of the lip? (Photos)

Question

I was interested in a genioplasty to move forward my chin ,but I would like to be aware of worse case scenario. Is it possible to lose all movement in my lip, thus I could have a crooked smile, or it is not possible in such operation and loosing sensitvity is the risk indeed? Many thanks for your time spent here.

Michael P. Morrissette, DDS, FACS · Answer

Genioplasty surgery is a procedure where a portion of your natural chin is moved forward and secured with a miniplate and screws. It is a very safe procedure and the risks of this procedure involves a sensory nerve. There is a small risk of decreased sensation following the procedure but this is usually transient. The nerve that moves your lip is a motor nerve and should not be affected by this surgery. The risk of infection following genioplasty is extremely low.... in 27 years I have never seen an infection following this procedure. Good luck

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

The risks of nerve injury in a sliding genioplasty are related to the mental nerve not the facial nerve. This is a nerve that controls the feeling to the lower lip and chin not the movement of the lower lip. Some temporary numbness of the lower lip due to a stretch on this nerve on common and most patients go on to a full feeling recovery.

Rachel A. Ruotolo, MD, FACS · Answer

Any surgery has risks, and a genioplasty is no exception. Since the cuts that are made in the bone are near the mental nerve foramen, there is a risk of loss of lip sensation. There will certainly be transient numbness immediately after the surgery, especially with swelling, but that typically resolves over several weeks. Be sure to seek consultation with an experienced board certified plastic surgeon who is experienced in maxillofacial surgery and who performs osteotomies regularly.  Good luck!

Gerald Wittenberg, MSc, DMD (retired) · Answer

The genioplasty procedure passes 'under' the sensation nerves of the lower lip area and does not affect the 'movement nerves'. The 'gums' under the front teeth can be 'numbish' due to positions of the nerve; but that does not affect the health nor the lower lip feeling.

In an genioplasty for moving forward the chin: What are the chances of losing sensitivity and movement of the lip? (Photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Genioplasty and lip movement

Answer: Genioplasty and lip movement

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Everything you need to know about Genioplasty

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In an genioplasty for moving forward the chin: What are the chances of losing sensitivity and movement of the lip? (Photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Genioplasty and lip movement

Answer: Genioplasty and lip movement

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Genioplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.