When osteotomies should be considered.

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Orthognathic Surgery
• Aesthetic Surgery

Background:

• Osteotomy is indicated in aesthetic surgery when skeletal changes are necessary.
• Morbidity associated with osteotomy must be minimized for aesthetic surgical patients.
• Common osteotomies include symphyseal and LeFort I procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the indications and recent advancements in facial osteotomy for aesthetic surgery.
• To highlight how reduced morbidity has increased the acceptability of osteotomy in aesthetic procedures.
• To discuss the role of osteotomy in correcting facial skeletal imbalances.

Main Methods:

• Review of current techniques and materials used in facial osteotomy.
• Discussion of advancements in orthodontic preparation and surgical fixation.
• Evaluation of bone substitutes in reducing the need for autogenous grafts.

Main Results:

• Facial osteotomies are justified for selected aesthetic patients, especially for vertical plane changes or significant skeletal imbalances.
• Recent technical advances have significantly reduced the morbidity associated with facial osteotomies.
• Improved presurgical orthodontic preparation and rigid fixation enhance patient acceptance and outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Facial osteotomy is a viable and increasingly safe option for aesthetic facial surgery.
• Technological advancements have made osteotomy a more appealing and less morbid treatment choice.
• Nonresorbable bone substitutes minimize the need for autogenous grafts, further reducing surgical morbidity.