Breathe easier and enjoy more restful sleep with airway genioplasty at Rocky Mountain Surgical Arts. This procedure advances the chin bone and associated muscle attachments to help improve upper airway support and airflow. It may benefit patients with obstructive sleep apnea, snoring, and airway restrictions associated with a recessed chin.
When Your Anatomy Gets in the Way of Breathing
Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the muscles and soft tissues surrounding your upper airway relax during sleep, causing the airway to narrow or collapse. A recessed lower jaw or chin-related anatomical features may contribute to this obstruction by allowing the tongue to sit farther back. These breathing interruptions can cause loud snoring, fragmented sleep, daytime fatigue, morning headaches, and increased risks of cardiovascular complications.
Airway genioplasty is a specialized surgical procedure that advances a segment of the chin bone containing attachments for muscles that support the tongue. By moving these structures forward, the procedure can help reduce airway collapse and improve airflow during sleep. It may be considered for carefully selected patients with obstructive sleep apnea.
What Can Airway Genioplasty Correct?
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
- Sleep-related upper airway obstruction
- Airway narrowing associated with recessed chin anatomy
- Tongue-base airway collapse
- Snoring associated with structural airway obstruction
Meet Dr. Kayvan Fathimani
Dr. Kayvan Fathimani is the founder of Rocky Mountain Surgical Arts and a triple-board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon with fellowship training in facial cosmetic surgery. He graduated at the top of his class from the University of Toronto School of Dentistry before completing his surgical residency at Montefiore Medical Center and his facial cosmetic surgery fellowship at Louisiana State University.
Dr. Fathimani’s extensive experience in chin and jaw surgery, facial aesthetics, and reconstructive surgery allows him to deliver highly individualized treatment with an emphasis on surgical precision, facial harmony, and natural-looking results.
Recovery & Downtime
After airway genioplasty, you can expect some swelling, bruising, tenderness, and temporary numbness around your chin and lower lip. These effects typically improve over the first two weeks. You may also need to follow a soft-food diet while your incision heals.
Most patients can return to work and light daily activities within 1 week, depending on their recovery. You’ll need to avoid strenuous exercise for several weeks. Although initial swelling subsides quickly, complete bone healing can take several months; however, patients tend to have improvement in snoring and obstructive sleep apnea within the first couple of weeks.
The Airway Genioplasty Process
Airway genioplasty is typically performed under general anesthesia, so you’ll be asleep throughout the procedure. Dr. Fathimani begins by making a small incision inside your mouth, allowing him to access the chin bone without creating visible external scars. Using precise techniques, he carefully cuts a section of bone where muscles that support your tongue and airway attach. The placement and extent of the bone movement depend on your anatomy and treatment plan.
Dr. Fathimani then moves the bone segment forward, helping reposition the attached muscles to reduce airway obstruction. He secures the bone in its new position using small titanium plates or screws before closing the incision with dissolvable sutures. After surgery, you’ll be monitored as the anesthesia wears off and receive detailed instructions to support your recovery at home.
Onset of Results
You may notice improvements in your breathing and sleep quality as swelling subsides during the first couple of weeks after airway genioplasty. However, it can take several months for your tissues to heal fully and for the final results to become apparent. The extent of improvement depends on your anatomy and the severity of your airway obstruction.
Schedule Your Consultation for an Airway Genioplasty in Lone Tree
Dr. Kayvan Fathimani is a triple-board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon and the founder of Rocky Mountain Surgical Arts. With extensive experience in chin and jaw surgery, he takes a personalized approach to addressing structural concerns that may affect your breathing and sleep quality. He carefully evaluates your anatomy, symptoms, and goals to recommend the most appropriate treatment. Schedule your consultation for airway genioplasty in Lone Tree to explore your options for improving airway function and breathing.
