Bimaxillary orthognathic surgery in a patient with long face: a case report

The primary characteristics of long face patients are gummy smile and/or anterior open bite. Consequently, correction of esthetic and functional problems are especially important for long face patients. Since orthodontic therapy alone is not sufficient to solve the problem, orthognathic surgical approach is indicated for these patients. In this report, orthognathic surgical therapy of a severe long face patient with similar findings was presented. Following clinical and cephalometric examination and preoperative orthodontic therapy, a Le Fort I osteotomy, a bilateral sagittal split osteotomy, and vertical and horizontal reduction genioplasties were performed. Alternative surgical therapies, complications, and the effects on the upper respiratory tract are also discussed.