Simultaneous orthognathic surgery and cervicomental liposuction. Clinical and survey results

Adjunctive soft tissue surgical procedures to enhance facial esthetics can be performed simultaneously with orthognathic surgery. Submental-submandibular liposuction was performed with orthognathic surgical procedures in 22 patients from April 1989 to May 1990. Patients ranged in age from 18 to 48 years. Fourteen patients had submental and eight patients had both submental and infralobular incisions. The average estimated amount of fat removed was 40 to 50 cc. In this series of patients there was a marked improvement in facial esthetics. Liposuction created greater definition of the submandibular region and a more distinct jawline, with an improved cervicomental angle. Patients appeared younger. No significant complications occurred, and patient satisfaction was high. A survey of oral and maxillofacial surgery training programs in the United States was conducted to determine experiences with liposuction. Survey results are presented. Our survey results are consistent with our clinical experiences with this procedure.