The Open Book Genioplatsy Technique: A Modification.

Abstract

Genioplasty is a versatile procedure in the repertoire of a maxillofacial surgeon since the time it was conceptualized by Trauner and Obwegeser in 1957.1 The chin improves the facial profile and renders a definition to the jaw. An aligned and proportionate chin adds ample aesthetic value and youthfulness to the face. In addition, it influences the apparent length of the face. Genioplasty holds the potential to alter the dynamics of facial harmony with minimal effort.2 Failure to perform a much required genioplasty can jeopardize the outcome of hours of an otherwise successful major orthognathic or cosmetic surgery.3 The slope and nature of rotation of the osteotomized segments dictate the extent of vertical and horizontal changes.4 In this article, we attempt to introduce a modification to the existing plethora of genioplasty techniques, particularly aimed to rectify a short square jaw into a feminine one. This technique comprises two conventional oblique osteotomies that split the chin into two components, superior and inferior. A margin of 5 mm is kept superiorly from the root tip, inferiorly from the lower border of mandible, and laterally from the mental foramen. Additional stripping of muscles along the lower border of the mandible ensures adequate mobility of the osteotomized inferior segment. The osteotomized segment is rotated outward and downward at an angle of about 30 to 40 degrees, wherein the tip of the inferior osseous segment is regarded as the prominence of the newfound mentum and the anterior surface of the chin becomes the lower border of the mandible (Fig. 1). The osseous segments are secured using two four-hole, 2.0-mm titanium plates (Fig. 2). Bony margins are smoothed. Hemostasis is achieved. Closure is performed done using 4-0 Vicryl sutures. A 1-year pictorial and radiographic follow-up is charted. The same substantiates the successful outcome of the procedure in terms of desired vertical increment, horizontal augmentation, a feminine round chin with a pointy upheal, and desired labiomental fold.Fig. 1.: Schematic representation of the open book genioplasty technique, in which point A becomes the newfound chin prominence, B becomes the lower border of the mandible, and C is the thickness of the mandible seen upon rotation.Fig. 2.: Osseous segment secured using titanium plates and screws depicting an open book fixation.The design of this open book osteotomy can be deemed ideal for a patient with an existing broad chin who desires a sharper, more feminine one. We have so far performed this procedure on female patients, who require a horizontal advancement of about 10 to 13 mm. The greatest advantage lies in negating a step formation along the lower border of the mandible, contributing to a smooth jawline. The downward rotation of the inferior segment helps acquire additional length, thus leading to a vertical increment in the lower half of the face. The possibility of a dual-plane augmentation makes this technique a versatile one. The thickness of the mentum is a vital consideration, as the osseous volume directly translates to the extent of advancement that can be achieved. In our vast clinical experience, the proposed open book genioplasty technique has had gratifying results with the desired osseous and soft-tissue outcomes in female patients with a short, square chin. ACKNOWLEDGMENT This study conformed to all guidelines of the Declaration of Helsinki. DISCLOSURE The authors have no financial interest to declare in relation to the content of this article. No funding was received for this work.