This article was written by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Burak Sercan Erçin and is based on clinical experience. A specialist in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery; prepared in accordance with current medical literature and personal surgical data. A consultation is recommended before making any medical decisions.
The chin sits at the geometric center of facial harmony. For patients who have spent years feeling that something is subtly off about their profile, a chin that recedes, protrudes, or sits asymmetrically relative to the nose and jaw, that awareness can be quietly consuming. Sliding genioplasty in Turkey has become an increasingly sought-after solution for international patients who want a precise, bone-based correction that no implant can replicate.
Unlike a silicone chin implant, which adds volume externally, a sliding genioplasty, also known as osseous genioplasty (chin osteotomy), involves repositioning the chin bone itself. The result is a structurally accurate, anatomically integrated change that moves with your face, ages with your tissues, and creates a foundation of genuine skeletal harmony. It is one of the most technically demanding facial procedures in plastic and reconstructive surgery, and one of the most rewarding when performed by an experienced surgeon.
If you have been researching this procedure and wondering whether Turkey is the right destination, this guide covers everything you need to know: the surgical technique, candidacy criteria, recovery timeline, safety considerations, and what to look for when choosing a surgeon in Istanbul.
What Is Sliding Genioplasty? The Procedure Explained
Sliding genioplasty — known medically as osseous genioplasty or chin osteotomy — is a surgical procedure in which the chin bone (the symphysis of the mandible) is cut, repositioned, and fixed with titanium plates and screws. Unlike volume-adding alternatives, the procedure can move the chin forward, backward, upward, downward, or correct lateral (side-to-side) asymmetry. Because the bone itself is repositioned rather than augmented, sliding genioplasty offers a versatility that no chin implant can match.
The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia through a small incision inside the mouth, leaving no visible external scarring. Total surgical time is typically 60 to 90 minutes. The repositioned bone is held securely in its new position using low-profile titanium plates and screws — biocompatible hardware that, in most patients, remains permanently and without complication.
For international patients researching this procedure from the UK, Europe, the UAE, or Australia, Turkey — and Istanbul in particular — has emerged as a credible and well-resourced destination, combining surgical talent with infrastructure built around the needs of overseas patients.
| Dr. Burak’s Clinical Note: In my practice, sliding genioplasty is often the correct answer for patients who come in believing they need a rhinoplasty. Once we analyse the facial proportions carefully, it becomes clear that the chin is the primary source of imbalance, not the nose. Identifying and addressing the correct structure makes all the difference to the final result. |
Who Is a Candidate for Sliding Genioplasty?
Sliding genioplasty is considered for patients whose chin position reflects a skeletal — rather than purely soft-tissue — discrepancy. Candidacy is established through clinical examination and, typically, cephalometric analysis: a standardised lateral X-ray that maps facial skeletal relationships with precision.
Common indicators that sliding genioplasty may be the appropriate procedure include:
- Retrognenia (receding chin) that creates a weak or indistinct profile
- Prognathia (chin protrusion) that disrupts facial balance
- Vertical chin excess or deficiency — a chin that is proportionally too long or too short
- Lateral asymmetry that cannot be adequately corrected with an implant
- Previous chin implant producing an unsatisfactory or unnatural outcome
- Patients planning a combined correction — genioplasty alongside rhinoplasty or orthognathic jaw surgery
The procedure is generally appropriate for patients who have completed skeletal development (typically from the late teens onward), are in good general health, are non-smokers or prepared to cease smoking well in advance of surgery, and hold realistic expectations about outcomes. A thorough pre-operative consultation is the only reliable way to confirm candidacy.
How Is Sliding Genioplasty Performed? Technique and Surgical Steps
The procedure begins with a small horizontal incision inside the lower lip, within the mucosa — the soft tissue lining the mouth. No incision is made on the skin surface. Through this access, the chin bone is carefully exposed by elevating the soft tissues while protecting the mental nerve (the nerve that provides sensation to the chin and lower lip).
Using a precision oscillating saw, the surgeon makes a horizontal osteotomy (bone cut) below the level of the tooth roots and the mental nerve. The freed chin segment is then repositioned according to the pre-operative surgical plan: advanced forward for a receding chin, set back for an overprojecting chin, moved vertically to correct height, or rotated to address asymmetry.
Once in the correct position, the repositioned bone segment is secured firmly using small titanium plates and screws. These fixation elements are low-profile, biocompatible, and in the vast majority of patients remain permanently without causing any discomfort. The incision is closed in layers with absorbable sutures, requiring no suture removal after the procedure.
Total surgical time is typically between 60 and 90 minutes under general anaesthesia. Most patients are discharged the same day or following one overnight stay.
Sliding Genioplasty vs. Chin Implant — Which Procedure Is Right for You?
The choice between a sliding genioplasty and a silicone chin implant is a surgical decision rooted in anatomy rather than preference. Both procedures address chin appearance, but through fundamentally different mechanisms. The table below outlines the key differences.
| Consideration | Sliding Genioplasty | Chin Implant |
| Tissue repositioned | Bone (mandibular symphysis) | Silicone or solid implant |
| Visible scarring | None — internal incision only | Minimal (under chin or inside mouth) |
| Directional range | Forward, back, up, down, lateral | Primarily forward projection |
| Asymmetry correction | High capability | Limited |
| Implant movement risk | None (bone is fixated) | Possible over time |
| Technical complexity | Higher — requires bone surgery skill | Relatively straightforward |
| Best suited for | Skeletal discrepancy, asymmetry, complex cases | Mild projection deficiency |
For patients with genuine skeletal discrepancies, asymmetry, or those seeking multidirectional correction, sliding genioplasty is typically the more appropriate choice. Surgeons with a foundation in reconstructive surgery — where bone-level precision is foundational to daily practice — are particularly well-positioned to plan and execute this procedure to a high standard.
Sliding Genioplasty Recovery — What to Expect Week by Week
Recovery from sliding genioplasty is manageable for most patients, though it requires deliberate planning — particularly for those travelling from overseas. The following timeline reflects the experience of most patients undergoing this procedure, though individual variation is normal.
Week 1
Swelling and bruising of the lower face and chin are expected, typically peaking around days two to three. Eating solid foods is not advisable; a soft or liquid diet is required during this period. Most patients are comfortable at rest and can manage routine low-activity tasks at home.
Weeks 2–3
Swelling begins to reduce visibly. Most patients notice a significant improvement in comfort. The internal incision is healing steadily; careful oral hygiene remains important. Patients not in physically demanding roles can generally resume desk-based work during this window.
Weeks 4–6
The majority of initial swelling has resolved. The chin’s new position is becoming clearly apparent. Light physical activity is typically resumed with the surgeon’s clearance. Chewing normal foods progressively returns.
Months 3–6
Final results are becoming established as residual deep swelling continues to settle. The bone is fully integrated and the fixation hardware is supporting a stable new skeletal architecture.
12 Months
The result is fully established. Chin sensation — which is temporarily reduced in many patients due to the proximity of the mental nerve during surgery — has typically returned to normal in the majority of cases.
International travel consideration: For patients travelling from the UK, Europe, the Gulf region, or Australia, a stay of approximately 7–10 days in Istanbul is recommended before flying home. This allows Dr. Burak’s team to conduct a post-operative review, confirm healing is progressing correctly, and address any questions in person before departure.
Is Sliding Genioplasty Safe in Turkey? What International Patients Need to Know
For any patient considering a bone-level facial surgical procedure abroad, a higher level of scrutiny is not only reasonable — it is responsible. Understanding what Turkey’s medical tourism market actually looks like is the best foundation for making that judgment clearly.
Turkey’s position in global medical tourism is well-established and supported by independent data. According to figures from the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), Turkey consistently ranks among the world’s most active markets for plastic and aesthetic surgery by procedure volume. Major hospitals operating in Istanbul meet internationally recognised accreditation standards, and the country’s healthcare infrastructure has attracted significant long-term investment.
Surgeon credentials are the single most critical variable in any surgical outcome. For international patients evaluating a surgeon in Turkey, the most important qualification to verify is EBOPRAS — the European Board of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery. EBOPRAS is the benchmark qualification for plastic surgery across Europe, signifying that a surgeon has met rigorous training, examination, and practice standards. Not every surgeon operating commercially in Turkey holds this certification; confirming it explicitly is worth the effort.
It is equally worth acknowledging the genuine risks that exist in any overseas surgical journey: selecting a surgeon whose credentials are verifiable, whose hospital is properly accredited, and whose post-operative support structures are clearly defined is not optional. Patients should be cautious of providers who are reluctant to share credential information, who offer surgery without thorough pre-operative assessment, or whose aftercare pathway is unclear.
Why Choose Istanbul for Sliding Genioplasty?
Istanbul’s emergence as a destination for complex facial surgical procedures is not coincidental. The city draws on a concentration of surgical talent trained within rigorous Turkish academic institutions and internationally — many surgeons hold European board qualifications and have trained under leading specialists in Western Europe.
For international patients, Istanbul offers a combination of logistical accessibility and genuine clinical depth. The city is well-connected from the UK, wider Europe, the Gulf region, and Australia. Patient coordination — including English-language communication, airport transfers, accommodation near the operating facility, and structured aftercare follow-up — is a standard part of the service infrastructure offered by established practices.
Sliding genioplasty in Turkey typically represents significant value relative to equivalent procedures in the UK, United States, or Western Europe — without involving any compromise in surgical standards when the right surgeon is selected. This differential is a function of operating cost structures in Turkey, not of clinical quality shortfalls.
Dr. Burak’s Approach to Sliding Genioplasty: Proportion, Precision, and Natural Integration
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Burak Sercan Erçin brings a foundation in reconstructive microsurgery to every facial procedure he performs. His training and collaboration with Dr. Pedro Cavadas — widely regarded as one of the world’s foremost microsurgeons — established an exceptionally precise approach to bone-level and tissue-level surgical work. Sliding genioplasty, which demands exact bone repositioning and secure fixation, falls squarely within the domain where this background is most relevant.
Dr. Burak holds the EBOPRAS diploma, serves as an academic faculty member at Bahçeşehir University, and has undertaken humanitarian surgical missions with the Turkish Ministry of Health. He operates at Pendik Medical Park, Istanbul — a modern, fully equipped facility for the complete range of plastic and reconstructive procedures. His work has been featured by Anadolu Agency and recognised across major Turkish media.
His aesthetic philosophy centres on a principle that applies directly to genioplasty: results should belong to the patient’s face, not announce a surgical intervention. A chin that looks visibly operated — over-projected, unnaturally angular, or out of proportion with the midface — represents a failure of pre-operative planning as much as execution. Dr. Burak’s approach begins with thorough facial analysis, reviewing skeletal proportions, soft tissue dynamics, and existing features before any surgical plan is formed.
Patients considering a combined procedure — genioplasty alongside rhinoplasty is one of the most common combinations — benefit particularly from Dr. Burak’s dual expertise in bone-level reconstructive work and refined aesthetic judgment. More detail on his background is available on his surgeon profile page, and representative results can be reviewed in the before and after gallery.
| Dr. Burak’s Clinical Note: The most common planning error I encounter in genioplasty revision cases is a failure to account for the soft tissue response to bone movement. The bone moves a set distance; the overlying soft tissue does not follow at the same ratio. Surgical planning must account for this relationship precisely, or the result will consistently undershoot or overshoot the patient’s expectation. This is where clinical experience, not just surgical technique, determines the outcome. |
Patient FAQ: Sliding Genioplasty in Turkey
How long do I need to stay in Istanbul after sliding genioplasty?
Most international patients are advised to remain in Istanbul for approximately 7 to 10 days following surgery. This allows Dr. Burak’s team to carry out a post-operative review before you fly home and confirm that healing is progressing correctly. Patients travelling from longer distances — Australia or the Gulf region, for example — may prefer to allow the full 10 days for added peace of mind before a long-haul flight.
Is Dr. Burak EBOPRAS certified?
Yes. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Burak Sercan Erçin holds the EBOPRAS diploma, awarded by the European Board of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery. EBOPRAS is the recognised standard for plastic surgery qualification across Europe and requires candidates to meet rigorous criteria in training, surgical practice, and formal examinations. It is one of the key credentials to verify when evaluating any surgeon in Turkey.
Can I combine sliding genioplasty with rhinoplasty in the same procedure?
Combining sliding genioplasty with rhinoplasty is a common and well-established combination for patients seeking full profile correction. Addressing both the chin and nose in a single surgical session avoids a second period of anaesthesia and recovery, and allows the surgeon to assess the complete profile simultaneously. Suitability for combined surgery is determined individually during consultation. Dr. Burak’s rhinoplasty page provides additional context on that procedure and the combined approach.
What are the risks of sliding genioplasty?
As with all surgical procedures, sliding genioplasty carries risks that patients should understand clearly. These include temporary numbness or altered sensation in the chin and lower lip (due to the proximity of the mental nerve), swelling that may take several months to fully resolve, infection risk, hardware discomfort in rare cases, and the possibility of minor positional discrepancy from the planned outcome. Significant complications are uncommon in experienced hands with correct pre-operative planning — but honest risk discussion is a fundamental part of any responsible consultation.
Does Dr. Burak offer online consultations for international patients?
Yes. Dr. Burak offers online consultations via WhatsApp and video call for international patients who cannot travel to Istanbul for an initial meeting. The consultation covers facial analysis based on photographs and imaging where available, a review of procedure options, and an overview of the Istanbul surgical journey. Contact the practice via WhatsApp or through the contact page to arrange a convenient appointment time.
What is the difference between sliding genioplasty and orthognathic surgery?
Sliding genioplasty addresses the chin segment specifically, repositioning only the lower portion of the mandible. Orthognathic surgery (jaw surgery) is a broader intervention that repositions the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both — typically indicated for patients with significant bite problems or skeletal malocclusions involving the entire jaw relationship. Some patients require elements of both procedures; others require only genioplasty. The distinction is established through proper diagnostic analysis, not assumption. The face and jaw surgery page provides further context.
Will there be any visible scarring after sliding genioplasty?
No visible external scarring results from sliding genioplasty. The surgical incision is made entirely inside the mouth, within the mucosal lining of the lower lip. There is no incision on the skin of the chin or under the jaw, and no scar that would be visible in normal facial expression or profile view.
Planning Your Sliding Genioplasty Journey in Istanbul
The logistics of a surgical trip to Istanbul are straightforward for most international patients. Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gökçen Airport both serve extensive international routes, with direct connections from the UK, Europe, the Gulf, and beyond. Accommodation near Pendik Medical Park can be arranged through the practice’s patient coordination team, and transport from arrival through to discharge is typically managed as part of a structured patient pathway.
Pre-operative assessment — including clinical examination, imaging, and pre-surgical blood work — is organised in the days before surgery. Post-operative appointments are scheduled before departure, ensuring the surgeon has assessed recovery directly before you travel home. English-language communication is available throughout the entire process.
International patients can reach Dr. Burak’s practice via WhatsApp for questions at any stage — before, during, and after their Istanbul visit. The face and jaw surgery page provides additional context on the range of jaw and chin procedures available.
Choosing the Right Foundation for Your Facial Harmony
Sliding genioplasty is a precise, technically demanding procedure that produces outcomes no implant-based alternative can fully replicate. For patients whose chin position reflects a genuine skeletal discrepancy — rather than a soft-tissue concern — the bone-level correction it offers creates a lasting foundation for true facial balance.
Choosing to pursue this procedure in Turkey is a sound decision when approached with the same rigour that any significant surgical choice demands: verifying surgeon credentials against European standards, understanding the recovery requirements for international travel, and ensuring that aftercare and communication are clearly structured well before departure.
Dr. Burak’s practice is built around precisely this kind of patient — informed, thorough, and committed to a result that belongs to their face rather than one that announces a procedure was performed.
| To take the first step, reach Dr. Burak’s team directly via WhatsApp for a no-pressure initial conversation, or submit an enquiry through the contact page. Online consultations are available for international patients before any commitment to travel. Book a consultation via the contact page. |
Why Assoc. Prof. Dr. Burak Sercan Erçin
Dr. Burak Sercan Erçin is an Istanbul-based Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon with over 15 years of clinical experience and more than 6,000 operations across reconstructive and aesthetic disciplines. He holds the EBOPRAS diploma and serves as an academic faculty member at Bahçeşehir University. His surgical training included a formative collaboration with Dr. Pedro Cavadas — one of the world’s most respected microsurgeons — establishing a foundation of precision applicable to complex facial bone surgery, soft tissue reconstruction, and microsurgical techniques.
Dr. Burak has undertaken humanitarian surgical missions abroad with the Turkish Ministry of Health, and his work has been recognised by Anadolu Agency and across major Turkish media. He operates at Pendik Medical Park, Istanbul. His core aesthetic principle — that surgical results should be natural, proportionate, and specific to each patient’s individual features — informs every procedure, from a chin osteotomy to a complex facial reconstruction.
International patients are encouraged to review his scientific publications and before and after results before making a decision.
This content was written by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Burak Sercan Erçin in line with clinical experience and current medical literature. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. A personal consultation with Dr. Erçin is recommended for individual assessment.
Faculty Member · Bahçeşehir University
Graduate of Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Erçin completed advanced fellowships at Tampa General Hospital (USA) under Dr. Deniz Dayıcıoğlu in breast reconstruction and burn surgery, and at the clinic of Dr. Pedro Cavadas in Valencia, Spain in reconstructive microsurgery. After passing the EBOPRAS examination in 2018, he joined Bahçeşehir University as a faculty member and continues his private practice on Bağdat Avenue, Istanbul, specialising in face, breast and body aesthetics alongside complex reconstructive surgery.
