Background: The chin plays a critical role in the shape, projection, and soft tissue support of the lower face. Osseous genioplasty is a powerful tool in facial rejuvenation as it allows for optimal control of the resulting chin dimensions and improvement in submental and submandibular laxity. Osseous genioplasty can be used alone or in combination with other facial rejuvenation procedures to achieve an optimal result.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to present the senior author's approach to skeletal analysis of the lower facial third and propose an algorithm that can be used to optimize skeletal support of the overlying soft tissue laxity while maintaining an aesthetic facial shape and proportion of the chin.
Methods: All patients undergoing cosmetic osseous genioplasty for soft tissue rejuvenation of the lower face and/or perioral region with the senior author between 2010 and 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Complications, including infection, numbness, and prolonged ecchymosis, were recorded.
Results: A total of 37 patients underwent cosmetic osseous genioplasty. The average age of the cohort was 44.5 years. Twenty-six patients (70.3%) were female. Eleven patients (29.7%) underwent genioplasty alone. In addition to genioplasty, 8 patients (21.6%) underwent orthognathic surgery, 5 patients (13.5%) underwent platysmaplasty and liposuction, and 2 patients (5.4%) underwent facelift. The authors propose an algorithm to guide evaluation of the lower facial third to help determine the possible role of osseous genioplasty for facial rejuvenation based on each patient's unique facial characteristics.
Conclusions: In properly selected patients, osseous genioplasty can improve lower facial projection, submandibular laxity, and perioral soft tissue support while also optimizing facial shape and proportion.
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