Chin implant vs sliding genioplasty? Which would give the most desirable result? (Photos)

Question

I have had orthodontic treatment for class 2 malocclusion but am still concerned abt my jawline. Would a chin implant be better than sliding genioplasty?

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

There are a variety of techniques that can be used to augment the chin and improve your profile. A more temporary approach includes dermal fillers (e.g., Sculptra, Voluma, and Radiesse), while fat grafting, use of permanent fillers (Aquamid, Bellafill ) and facial implants would offer a more permanent solution. A sliding genioplasty is a procedure that I feel gives a rather blocky, unrefined look in a number of cases. However, in severe cases, this may be the best option. To address your concerns I would recommend having an in person consult with a board certified plastic surgeon who specializes in facial aesthetics.

Stephen Prendiville, MD · Answer

A chin implant provides a predicable way to provide for projection in the area of the mentum.  Of the two procedures, this is definitely the less invasive.

Cory S. Goldberg, BSc, MD, FRCS(C) · Answer

The chin implant and genioplasty are both ways of enhancing the lower face and chin. Generally, I favour performing genioplasty where possible. Genioplasty is a means of advancing the bone in the lower portion of the chin and can add projection when needed. This can be done in patients that have an adequate amount of bone to be advanced. It is not effective when there is inadequate amount of bone, in which case a chin implant would be required. This is also the case if additional width is desired or necessary.
In general, genioplasty is a more “natural” way of doing it given that there is no associated implant. This results in repositioning of the bone and improved facial proportion without the associated risks of facial implants.

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

While both forms of chin augmentation can be done, you must consider their effects in all three dimensions as they will be different. It is only in the horizontal dimension of change that they appear most similar. (in other words don't just use the side view as the only means of determining their effects) The front view is very important and from that perspective an implant often makes the chin wider while a sliding genioplasty keeps it more narrow.

Regina Rodman, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for sharing your photos and question.  I think you would benefit from either procedure.  The decision of which one to get is a personal preference. A chin implant is a faster procedure, I generally perform it in under an hour under IV sedation.  The recovery is quick.  It works well to augment the chin in the horizontal direction. The downside of an implant is that there is a small, but real, risk of infection.  Of course, I take measures to make sure this doesn't happen but this is a risk with any implant in the body. An osseous genioplasty can move the chin in all directions including vertically (as well as horizontally) and can help with patients who have asymmetry to the chin.  For patients who need a big movement or movement in more than the horizontal plane, this is the best choice.  The downside of this surgery is it is more invasive and requires more downtime after surgery.  For you, either procedure will work.  I recommend visiting with a facial plastic surgeon to learn moreBest of luck,Dr Rodman

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Chin implants are placed for cosmetic purposes to augment the chin forward.  The implants are placed under local anesthesia through a small incision underneath the chin which takes approximately 30 minutes.  Chin implants will have no effect on the way the teeth fit together.  A sliding genioplasty is performed by an oral surgeon under general anesthesia in a hospital setting with an overnight hospital stay, and is much more invasive.  This procedure is performed  when the teeth are significantly out of alignment. For many examples of the chin implants, please see the video and the link below

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD (retired) · Answer

Hi, I have performed many facial shaping procedures, including Chin Augmentation with dermal fillers or silastic chin implants, for over 30 years.  From the photos, your chin is weak.  When the chin is weak, this creates an imbalance making the nose appear larger, the mid face top heavy, the lower face looks short, de-emphasizes the lips and allows early formation of a "double chin".  
 Proper placement of a silastic chin implant adds forward projection to the chin thereby creating harmony and balance to the lower face.  Using the same incision, liposuction can be performed to reduce the fat and further shape the neck.  Excess skin, from below the chin, can also be removed through the same incision.  
 I have found that placement of a silastic chin implant, through a small curved incision under the chin (also allows excess skin removal) to be very safe, quick, highly effective and far less invasive than a sliding genioplasty (requires extensive tissue dissection, bone cuts and placement of metal screws and plates to secure the cut segments of bone).  I perform chin implant surgery in 30 minutes or less, often using a local anesthetic alone.  In my opinion, you are a good candidate for chin implant surgery.  
Hope this helps.

Michael Elam, MD (retired) · Answer

Dear drtysouthchik85, As long as you do not have any occlusion then a chin augmentation would be a simple procedure, with a quick recovery time that would nicely balance your profile. See some surgeons for consultation and they can provide imaging to show you the proposed results. See examples in the link below and also the imaging process in the attached video. Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.

Ronald V. DeMars, MD (Retired) · Answer

The photos indicate a moderate sized chin implant should look perfect. Reserve the sliding genioplasty for those patients who can't get their goal look with this much simpler procedure.

Chin implant vs sliding genioplasty? Which would give the most desirable result? (Photos)

Answers (9)

More Chin Implant Questions

Is it possible to increase the length of my face with chin augmentation? (Photo)

Will a chin implant make my face look more 'square'? (photo)

I have slight discomfort after my chin implant, should I go see my surgeon?

If I stop antibiotics on the 3rd day will my implant be infected?

I don't like my side profile, how do I get a more defined chin/neck/jawline? (Photos)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS