A sliding genioplasty procedure consists of 8 main steps: consultation, evaluation of the bone structure, surgical planning, preoperative health assessment, anesthesia, bone cutting and repositioning, fixation with plates and screws, and postoperative monitoring. Because the procedure directly involves the chin bone, the treatment plan needs to be developed based on each patient’s anatomical characteristics and individual goals.
At Dr. Huan, Dr. Nguyen Duy Huan personally evaluates the facial structure and develops an appropriate treatment plan before surgery.
Sliding Genioplasty Procedure at Dr. Huan
The sliding genioplasty procedure consists of the following steps. Each step plays a specific role in ensuring that the planned adjustment is appropriate for the patient’s bone structure and aesthetic goals.
Step 1: Consultation and Evaluation of Facial Structure
Before surgery, Dr. Nguyen Duy Huan personally evaluates the patient’s chin and overall facial structure.
The purpose of this step is to identify the underlying cause of the chin concern and determine the extent of intervention required to the underlying bone structure.
Step 2: 3D CT Scan and Analysis of the Chin Bone
After the initial consultation, the doctor may recommend a 3D Cone Beam CT scan to obtain additional information about the patient’s bone structure.
3D CT provides three-dimensional images of the bone structure, giving the doctor additional information to develop the surgical plan.
Based on these findings, the treatment approach can be personalized in terms of the direction and extent of bone movement, as well as the desired chin shape.
Note: 3D CT is a tool used to support surgical planning. The final indication and surgical technique should be determined based on direct examination and the doctor’s professional assessment.
Step 3: Personalized Sliding Genioplasty Planning
Based on the clinical examination and 3D CT images, the doctor develops a surgical plan tailored to each patient’s bone structure and facial proportions.
Step 4: Preoperative Health Assessment
A preoperative health assessment allows the doctor and anesthesia team to evaluate the patient’s overall health, medical history, current medications, and other factors that may affect the surgical or anesthesia process.
Step 5: Anesthesia and Surgical Preparation
Sliding genioplasty is a surgical procedure that directly involves the bone structure. At Dr. Huan, the procedure is performed under general anesthesia.
Step 6: Cutting and Repositioning the Chin Bone
After determining the osteotomy line according to the surgical plan, the doctor cuts the section of chin bone that needs to be repositioned.
Depending on the patient’s condition, the bone segment may be moved forward, backward, upward, downward, or laterally to improve the chin’s projection, length, and alignment.
In some cases involving a significantly recessed chin or substantial bone deficiency, the doctor may consider a two-level sliding genioplasty technique. This technique can increase the contact area between the bone segments after repositioning, depending on the patient’s anatomy and treatment goals.
Step 7: Fixation with Plates and Screws
Once the chin bone segment has been repositioned according to the surgical plan, the doctor secures it using specialized plates and screws.
Fixation helps maintain the position of the bone segment during the initial healing period and provides favorable conditions for the bone to heal and stabilize over time.
Step 8: Wound Closure and Postoperative Monitoring
The incision is closed with absorbable sutures, and a compression dressing is applied to stabilize the chin area after surgery.
Postoperative care plays an important role because both soft-tissue wound healing and bone healing require time. The final outcome cannot be fully assessed within just the first few days after surgery.
How long does a sliding genioplasty procedure take?
The duration of sliding genioplasty depends on the patient’s bone structure, the extent of correction required, and the surgical technique selected. More complex cases or procedures combined with additional techniques may take longer.
The average surgical time is approximately 45 – 60 minutes.
The specific surgical duration will be estimated by the doctor after the consultation and surgical planning process.
How long does it take to recover from sliding genioplasty?
After surgery, swelling and discomfort are usually more noticeable during the early postoperative period and gradually decrease over the following weeks.
The time required to return to normal activities depends on:
- The extent of surgical intervention.
- Overall health.
- Individual healing capacity.
- Occupation and level of physical activity.
- The doctor’s specific postoperative instructions.
For more information about the different stages of recovery, please refer to the article [How Long Does Sliding Genioplasty Take to Heal?].
Is sliding genioplasty safe?
Sliding genioplasty is a surgical procedure that directly involves the bone and therefore carries certain medical risks. It should not be considered a procedure that is completely free of complications.
Potential postoperative issues may include:
- Swelling, pain, and bruising.
- Changes in sensation or numbness around the lips and chin.
- Infection.
- Hematoma.
- Delayed bone healing.
- Displacement of the bone segment.
- An aesthetic result that does not meet expectations.
- Risks associated with surgery and anesthesia.
Safety depends not only on the surgical technique itself but also on appropriate indications, anatomical assessment, surgical planning, bone fixation technique, anesthesia and perioperative care, and postoperative management.
Why must sliding genioplasty be performed in a hospital?
Sliding genioplasty directly involves the bone and requires anesthesia, surgery, postoperative monitoring, and the ability to manage potential complications.
Therefore, under Circular No. 23/2024/TT-BYT and related regulations, sliding genioplasty is a technical procedure that must be performed in a hospital.
At Dr. Huan, sliding genioplasty is performed at Bac Ha International General Hospital, 137 Nguyen Van Cu Street, Hanoi, Vietnam.
Frequently asked questions about sliding genioplasty
Is sliding genioplasty performed under general anesthesia?
Answer: Yes. At Dr. Huan, sliding genioplasty is performed under general anesthesia. Before surgery, the patient is evaluated and prepared by the anesthesia team according to the protocols of the medical facility.
Is sliding genioplasty painful?
Answer: During general anesthesia, the patient does not experience pain in the usual sense. After surgery, pain, swelling, or a feeling of tightness may occur to varying degrees.
Is a 3D CT Scan necessary for sliding genioplasty?
Answer: Yes. Dr. Huan may prescribe a 3D CT scan to evaluate the bone structure and support surgical planning.
How long does it take for sliding genioplasty to heal?
Answer: Swelling usually decreases gradually during the first few weeks, but the bone requires a longer period to heal and stabilize. The specific recovery time depends on the surgical technique and each individual’s healing capacity.
Do I need to stay in the hospital after sliding genioplasty?
Answer: Patients need to be monitored in the hospital for at least 24 hours after surgery before the doctor determines whether they are ready for discharge.
A sliding genioplasty procedure consists of 8 main steps: consultation, evaluation of the bone structure, surgical planning, health assessment, anesthesia, bone cutting and repositioning, fixation with plates and screws, and postoperative monitoring.
Each step plays an important role in developing and carrying out a treatment plan that is appropriate for each patient’s individual anatomical characteristics.
If you are considering sliding genioplasty, you can schedule a consultation with Dr. Nguyen Duy Huan to have your facial structure evaluated, determine whether additional imaging is needed, and receive advice on an appropriate treatment approach based on your actual condition.
WhatsApp +84 916 262 888 / +84 986 258 118
- Medical review: Dr Nguyen Duy Huan
- Last updated: 03/09/2026
Medical disclaimer: This content is provided for reference only and does not replace an in-person medical consultation, diagnosis, or direct recommendation from a doctor.
Dr Nguyen Duy Huan, MD, MSc has more than 20 years of experience in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. He currently serves as Head of the Aesthetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery Unit within the Department of Surgery at Bac Ha International General Hospital in Hanoi, Vietnam.
