A Comprehensive Analysis of Genioplasty in Facial Feminization Surgery: A Systematic Review and Institutional Cohort Study

Abstract

Background: Facial feminization surgery (FFS) is critical to gender-affirming surgery, consisting of craniomaxillofacial procedures to align facial features with a patient’s gender identity. Central to FFS is genioplasty, which reshapes or repositions the chin; however, limited research exists on genioplasty in FFS. This review and cohort analysis aim to evaluate current practices and outcomes for individuals undergoing FFS with genioplasty. Methods: A systematic review included transfeminine individuals undergoing FFS with genioplasty. A retrospective study reviewed FFS cases with genioplasty between 2017 and 2024. Data collected included demographics, imaging, virtual surgical planning (VSP), complications, and patient-reported outcomes (PROs). Results: The review included 12 studies with 1417 patients, with 34.2% undergoing genioplasty. The mean age was 37.3 years, and 60.1% were White. Preoperative imaging and VSP were used in 66.7% of studies, 3D-printed cutting guides in 37.5%, and 3D reconstruction in 75.0%. Reduction genioplasty was the most common technique. All PROs indicated high satisfaction, with a 2.67% revision rate. Complications were low (0.55%), with infections being most frequent (0.48%). In the institutional cohort, 351 patients underwent FFS, with 64.4% undergoing genioplasty, significantly higher than in the review (p < 0.001). Sliding genioplasty was preferred without preoperative imaging or VSP. Postoperative dissatisfaction was 3.54%, with 0.88% requiring revision (p = 0.063). Complication rates (1.77%) were similar to those of the review (p = 0.065). Conclusions: Genioplasty is important in FFS, with low complication and revision rates and high patient satisfaction. However, gaps remain in validated PROs and technique-specific outcomes. While preoperative imaging and VSP show benefits, comparable outcomes are achievable without them.

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