When the chin is lengthened through a surgical technique called vertical lengthening genioplasty, a small gap is created in the bone. A fixation plate and screws hold the new chin position securely in place and set the amount of lengthening. However, the plate itself does not determine whether the gap fills in with bone over time.
Since the chin does not carry much functional load compared to the rest of the jaw, incomplete healing of the gap usually doesn’t cause problems. Still, both patients and I prefer to see the bone fill in as much as possible for long-term stability and peace of mind.
To help the bone heal fully, I often place a bone graft into the gap. While using a patient’s own bone would be ideal, it would require an additional donor site, which most people want to avoid for cosmetic surgery. Instead, I use a safe, sterilized bone graft from a donor source. This type of graft has worked extremely well in my experience, encouraging solid healing without the need for another surgical site.
Because donor bone comes in block shapes, I carefully reshape it to fit each patient’s chin. Using surgical tools, I trim the graft so that it matches the natural shape of the chin and fits securely under the fixation plate. Any small extra pieces are used to fill in tiny spaces, creating a snug and natural fit.
Over time, the graft encourages the body to form new bone across the gap, leading to a more complete and lasting healing process. This not only stabilizes the chin but also provides reassurance that the result is as natural and strong as possible.
Dr. Barry Eppley
World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon