Sliding genioplasty surgery
The sliding genioplasty, allows the chin to be moved forward, backward, lengthened, or shortened by repositioning the mandibular bone. At Face Clinic Spain, maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Riba uses 3D planning to achieve natural results — or custom chin implants as a less invasive alternative.
What is a sliding genioplasty?
The sliding genioplasty is a surgical procedure performed on the chin bone (mandibular symphysis). It consists of making a horizontal osteotomy —a controlled cut in the lower part of the mandible— to move and reposition the bone forward, backward, upward, or downward according to the patient’s aesthetic or functional needs.
This technique allows modification of the chin’s projection, height, or symmetry without the need for implants, as it works directly with the patient’s own bone. It is therefore considered a structural, stable, and long-lasting surgery.
When is sliding genioplasty indicated?
The sliding genioplasty is recommended in the following cases:
- Receding chin (retrognathia or microgenia) that gives a weak or unbalanced facial profile.
- Overly prominent chin that disrupts facial harmony.
- Facial asymmetry or chin deviation from the midline.
- Excessively long or short chin affecting the vertical facial proportion.
- Correction of functional issues related to the mandible, such as bite alignment or lip balance.
How is the surgery performed?
The surgery is typically performed under general anaesthesia or deep sedation. The surgeon makes an incision inside the mouth (intraoral approach), avoiding visible scars. Through this incision, the mandibular bone is accessed and precisely cut using specialised surgical instruments.
The bone segment is then slid and repositioned according to the 3D preoperative plan and fixed with small titanium plates and screws. At Face Clinic Spain, this procedure is digitally planned with 3D modelling, allowing for precise prediction of results and optimal facial symmetry.
Recovery after sliding genioplasty
Recovery is usually quick and progressive. Most patients can return to normal activities within 7–10 days after surgery.
- A soft diet is recommended during the first week.
- Mild swelling or numbness may appear but fades gradually.
- Intraoral sutures dissolve naturally.
- Final results become visible after 2–3 months, once full bone integration is achieved.
Advantages of sliding genioplasty surgery
- Uses the patient’s own bone, with no foreign materials.
- Provides natural, permanent results.
- No visible scars (intraoral approach).
- Allows correction of projection, height, and symmetry.
- Can be combined with other facial procedures such as blepharoplasty or rhinoplasty for balanced facial harmony.
Possible risks and complications
As with any surgical procedure, sliding genioplasty carries some rare risks such as bleeding, infection, or temporary numbness of the lower lip. In the hands of experienced maxillofacial surgeons, these risks are minimal, and success rates are very high.
Are there alternatives to genioplasty?
Yes. At Face Clinic Spain, we offer a less invasive alternative with equally natural results: custom-made 3D chin implants designed by Dr. Francisco Riba.
💡 Custom 3D chin implants: a safe, minimally invasive, and fast-recovery option.
Designed using advanced facial scanning and CAD/CAM technology, these implants define the chin with millimetre precision, without bone surgery or general anaesthesia.
Image: A custom 3D chin and jaw angle implants designed at Face Clinic Spain.
Advantages compared to sliding genioplasty
- Outpatient procedure (no hospital stay required).
- Reversible: the implant can be easily removed or replaced.
- Shorter recovery time with no visible scars.
- Immediate, long-lasting, and natural-looking results.
- High precision through digital 3D custom design.
In many cases, custom 3D chin implants achieve the same facial balance as genioplasty, with the benefit of being a less invasive, safe, and fully personalised treatment — ideal for patients who travel to Spain for advanced facial surgery.
✨ Discover 100% personalised 3D facial implants designed by maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Riba at Face Clinic Spain.
Natural, safe, and precise results — perfect for patients seeking facial surgery in Spain.
Conclusion
The sliding genioplasty is an excellent option for patients seeking structural correction of the chin through bone surgery. However, custom 3D chin implants represent a modern, reversible, and minimally invasive alternative offering precise and natural results.
At Face Clinic Spain, our maxillofacial surgery specialists assess each case individually to determine whether a sliding genioplasty or a 3D facial implant is the best option, depending on anatomy, expectations, and desired outcome.
Dr Francisco Riba García, specialist in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (ICOMEM no. 28375865), has over 25 years of experience in Maxillofacial, Aesthetic and Facial Plastic Surgery.
He is the Medical Director and Founder of Face Clinic, Head of the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department at La Zarzuela and La Moraleja Hospitals (Madrid), and a member of the most prestigious scientific societies, including the European Board of Oro-Maxillo-Facial Surgery.
