The effects of zygomatic and chin augmentation on facial aesthetics

The most obvious and prominent parts of the facial anatomy which affect aesthetics are the nose, the prominence of the zygoma and the chin. These three structures are extremely important when assessing facial aesthetics, and whilst basal structures of the maxilla and mandible are important, it is the positioning of the zygoma, nose and chin which ultimately are the determining factors of good facial aesthetics. This paper outlines the various methods of zygomatic and chin augmentation and describes the intra-oral approach to performing an osteotomy of the zygoma. These procedures are commonly performed in association with orthognathic surgical procedures to correct the occlusion and can be carried out primarily with the initial surgery, or secondarily for aesthetic enhancement.