my current pics

[angelstrings]

Here is a link to photobucket where my profile and front facing picutres are. Do you guys think my orthodontist was right all those years ago, and that all I'll need is the sliding genioplasty? My bite is fine, so I don't see needing to have my jaw broken. Any input is greatly appreciated.

http://s1122.photobucket.com/albums/l52 ... chwire.jpg

[Okra]

When I look at your pictures I think you look really nice. If you're looking at genioplasty though has anyone mentioned doing a chin implant instead? I have no idea if that would be a good alternative but I read somewhere that the two procedures have similar results. (I am very new to all of this though!) Again, I think you look good and would be fine doing nothing.

[Bullfighter]

I agree with Okra, you look good.

If I were you, I wouldn't have anything other than a sliding genio, and even that looks optional based on your pics. It sounds like you might be happier with your appearance with a stronger chin, but unless you have issues with your bite it's not worth the risks and complications of the other procedures. Also, you don't want to overdo it with the chin -- men can get away with a strong chin, but it can start to look awkward on women.

And ... there's a difference between looking in the mirror and thinking you look better and looking in the mirror and not recognizing your reflection.

As far as implants versus sliding, the latter seems more expensive, but you don't have the risks of an implant leaking, moving around, etc. I've heard arguments for and against both.

[angelstrings]

Thanks guys for your input. I kind of get nervous if I let my mind go in the direction of, "Oh Lord, I've opened up a can of worms. All I thought I needed was a SG, and now here I am with new cheeks, jawline, etc..." I'm just saying it scares me to think of all the stuff that I might "need." But, I'm going to go on faith with that little Scottsborough, AL orthodontist who stuck head gear on me at 12 and gave my mandible time to 'catch up' then after the braces came off said, "One day you might consider a chin implant." I'd rather go the SG route and have it be my own tissue plus the screws and plates. We do it all the time with hips and knees...why not chin?

Thanks so much!!!!.....for your input. I feel like I have yall to go through this with.--Angela

[bracedfaced]

Personally, I like your chin as it is. It looks delicate and feminine.

[Bullfighter]

... I'd rather go the SG route and have it be my own tissue plus the screws and plates. We do it all the time with hips and knees...why not chin? ...

That's my view. Titanium is a known material.

I'm sure implants have improved, but if I ever take a good hit to the chin I'd rather not worry about anything moving, leaking or rupturing.

[KOHAI]

Both are great techniques and it looks from the picture you can either go SG or implant. Hard to tell without actually looking at the shape of the bony chin.

I agree with most that you look great and I prefer the softer chin and don't really think you need a chin but beauty is in the eye of the beholder!

Good luck and I wish you the best!

[angelstrings]

Thanks for the kind words. It's looking like my goals will be a little longer in the making. At work, they've started cutting back hours and are making all kinds of financial constraints so there won't be anymore overtime. Sadly, this occurs now, just at the time I had begun picking up all kinds of extra shifts. Well, in November I'm moving out of my current residence to save about $400/month. Maybe I can find clinic work somewhere too to help fill in with overtime. Who knows...But it leads me to wonder what the terrible economy is doing to peoples ability to have orthognatic surgery. I'd be interested to hear more about this.

Thanks again for the kind words.--Angela

[Hollywood Todd]

How much, on average, does a sliding genioplasty cost?

[shanalouis]

$1500-$3500

[shanalouis]

but mine was free, haha they forgot to charge me so i didnt say anything and got away with it i guess

[Hollywood Todd]

Wow, I thought it would be more expensive. I assumed it was in the $5 to 8,000 range. And congrats on the free surgery. Closest I ever came to that was not getting billed for an appointment with a doctor who cleaned my ear.

[Minerva]

I like your chin as it is. I wouldn't touch it.

My 2 cents.

[angelstrings]

Thanks Minerva. I feel like this is something I've always wanted to do. Funny how, now I have the funds, it's finding the right doctor that's the issue. I should've started this crazy search years ago, lol!