Sliding Genioplasty Vs Chin Implant

I'm assuming your bite and occlusion are normal; otherwise, an oral surgeon or orthodontist should complete their work first, and then you should get several opinions from board-certified plastic surgeons or facial plastic surgeons.

The chin implant surgery is easier to perform, less likely to have complications, and quicker to recover from. BTW, I recommend the submental incision (under the chin), since the intraoral incision has a higher risk of infection for which the implant has to be removed to cure the infection. The properly-performed and accurately-closed incision heals with an imperceptible scar in virtually all individuals. I would recommend a Flowers mandibular glove vertical tilt extended anatomic chin implant (size small or medium). Since this implant is a hard silicone elastomer (not soft and squishy like breast implants) and is placed in an exact-size pocket beneath the bone periosteum, it cannot shift when healed, and feels just like your own chin.

Sliding genioplasty has visible and palpable step-off where the bone is cut (despite the judicious use of bone dust and/or hydroxyapatite granules), and must heal like the (intentional) fracture it is. It's probably more expensive, and the claims of implants being "not natural" and "Your own bone is all-natural" is disingenuous--the cut bones must be held together by titanium plates and screws which are (guess what?) "not natural!"

Buccal fat pad removal is not recommended as it can yield a "hollow-cheek" Skeletor look--know what I mean? You will likely regret this later in life. Rather, conservative cheek implants (again, NOT placed via an intraoral route, but rather via lower eyelid incisions) may give you a more balanced and harmonious facial balance. In addition to the link below, see also my patient with cheek implants. Best wishes! Dr. Tholen

Thank you for your question and photo!  I would suggest you seek a board certified plastic surgeon and have a consultation!  A chin implant would be the best fit for you.  Best of luck!Dr Dhaval PatelDouble Board Certified Plastic SurgeonChicagoHoffman EstatesOak Brook

Either method of augmentating the chin has their role and some patients (and surgeons) prefer one approach to the other.

It would be helpfult to talk to a surgeon that offers both techniques. A chin implant can certainly improve the projection in the area that concerns you.

Your profile photo demonstrates a mild to moderate microgenia (or weak chin). I would recommend a Chin Implant to improve this area. The external approach has the quickest recovery and the lowest risk of complication. Dr. G

Personally, I prefer chin implant to sliding genioplasty. This preference is mainly guided by the final esthetic outcome which, in my opinion, is superior with chin implant. Why? With the boney advancement, only the central chin bone itself is advanced leaving the patient with a relative deficit in the sides of the chin - an area commonly referred to as prejowls. The chin implant provides a softer enhancement because it extends more to the sides and allows for a gentler transition. As a side effect, the recovery after chin implant is usually easier and quicker than after bone alteration.

A quick word regarding your cheek: I would hesitate to recommend buccal fat removal. Your face is already relatively long and narrow and reduction of your lower cheeks will further accentuate this. Rather, consider cheek upper cheek enhancement which will widen your narrow upper face and improve the overall balance of the face. Buccal fat extraction is a procedure that is commonly is seen with regret years later.

Isn't it interesting how cosmetic facial surgeons have differing views on how to enhance the face?