Genioplasty

Abstract

The chin is an important structure of the lower third of the face to provide balance when appropriately proportioned. Occlusion must be considered during evaluation and consideration of orthognathic surgery when applicable. Harmony of the chin must be accomplished in three dimensions. Most often, improvement is achieved through primary anteroposterior plane movements. Cephalometry is useful in determining the bony configuration and positions of the upper and lower jaws. Surgery is performed through either a submental or transoral approach. An implant can be placed along the mandibular border and contoured to the patient’s needs. Alternatively, osseous genioplasty can be performed by creating an osteotomy, mobilizing an inferior segment of mandible, and fixating into a new position. Complications include paresthesia of the mental nerve, injury to tooth roots, mandible fracture, or undesirable aesthetic outcome. Poor postoperative aesthetics can be from poor implant placement, poorly planned/executed osteotomy, failure to resuspend soft tissue, or a combination.