Combined Long-Curved Ostectomy in the Inferior Mandibular Border and Angle of the Mandible with Splitting Corticectomy for Reduction of the Lower Face

Abstract

In Asian countries, a square-shaped face is considered unattractive. Many operative techniques have been developed and reported for reduction of the lower face, including mandibular angle ostectomy and splitting corticectomy. Many surgeons have performed the operation in the angle region using one of the aforementioned techniques, which may not lead to effective results. This report mainly discusses the standard procedures of surgery. To overcome the drawbacks of conventional procedures and to perform ostectomy accurately, proper preoperative analysis and design were implemented for 159 patients with square-shaped faces. Based on a new type of classification and concepts for mandible reduction, long-curved ostectomy combined with splitting corticectomy was used for reduction of the lower face. A series of standard procedures was developed during the operative process. The majority of patients were satisfied with both their frontal and lateral appearances. The gonial angle and the mandibular plane angle were increased effectively. No major complications such as fracture or facial nerve damage occurred. Lip numbness occurred for 15% of the patients. The authors' series of standard procedures allows surgeons to perform accurate, safe, and reproducible ostectomy and to obtain reliable and stable effects.