Combined Genioplasty and External Oblique Line Grafting: An Innovative Method to Improve Lower Facial Contour.

[BACKGROUND] Microgenia and the accompanying plump cheeks or hamster-like facial contour are all unattractive appearances among the Asian. Genioplasty with autogenous bone grafting is one of the effective ways to improve microgenia, in which a suitable donor area with less additional damage, lower infection rate, and more excellent effect is crucial.

[METHODS] Patients who had undergone genioplasty and autogenous external oblique line grafting (G-EOL) were followed up. The operation-related complications, preoperative, and long-term follow-up 3-dimensional spiral computed tomography (3D-CT) were collected and analyzed.

[RESULTS] Eight female patients who had received G-EOL and received 1 to 3 years of follow-up were included in this study. There were no short-term or long-term complications. CT data of bone of 8 patients and CT data of soft tissue of 6 patients at the preoperative and long term were compared. Through comparing CT data, the width at the level of the intersection of EOL and mandibular body, and the protrusion of the bony chin had improved significantly; the P values were all <0.001. Through measuring the soft tissue and analyzing the data, the ratio of lower and middle facial width, and the distance from the lower lip to Ricketts' line were all improved, with the P values 0.042 and 0.001, respectively.

[CONCLUSIONS] For patients with microgenia and hamster-like facial contour, the combination of genioplasty and autogenous external oblique line grafting is innovative and effective in improving both the front and side contour of the lower face simultaneously, with excellent stability, bone healing, and low complication rates.