02/12/2026
Genioglossus advancement is one of the most effective ways to expand the airway when the tongue base is contributing to obstruction. The genioglossus muscle attaches to the genial tubercles on the lingual surface of the mandible, so bringing that bone segment forward mechanically advances the tongue as well.
When a patient needs airway improvement but would not look good with additional chin projection, genioglossus advancement becomes an important option. Instead of advancing the entire chin, I remove a small rectangular segment of bone in the midline that includes the genial tubercles. I plan this virtually of course, using custom surgical guides that I design so that I make sure to capture the genial tubercles. I draw this segment forward, fix it into its new position with K-wires so that the lingual cortex of the segment aligns with the facial cortex of the mandible, and then contour the remaining bone so the surface is smooth. This can advance the tongue base by up to 10 mm without creating unwanted changes in facial aesthetics.
This procedure is often performed as part of a broader treatment plan for obstructive sleep apnea or upper airway resistance, and it can be combined with other skeletal or soft tissue interventions depending on the patient’s anatomy and goals. My goal is always to choose the technique that will meaningfully improve airway function while keeping the patient’s facial balance intact.
If you want to see more airway surgery breakdowns or have questions about when I choose genioglossus advancement over other procedures, feel free to ask.
Disclaimer: Not medical advice. Educational content only.