Total or partial inferior border ostectomy for mandibular contouring: indications and outcomes

Among the East Asian population, a long or square face produces a characteristic coarse and masculine appearance and is therefore considered undesirable and unattractive. Because of this many Orientals seek to achieve a harmonious contour of their face by undergoing various cosmetic surgical procedures. Mandibular contouring for a long or asymmetrical face with/without square jaw is rarely reported in the literature and the objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of total or partial inferior border ostectomy for mandibular contouring and to discuss its indications. From July 2005 to November 2009, 74 patients in this study received mandibular contouring by total or partial inferior border ostectomy procedure to correct a disharmonious facial contour. Postoperatively the appearance of all 74 cases showed that the length of the lower 3rd of the face and the width of the mandible were decreased effectively, and the mandibular contour was improved. The final aesthetic outcomes were satisfactory for both the surgeons and the patients. The results suggest that facial contour could be improved by using total or partial inferior border ostectomy of the mandible thus achieving a harmonious facial outline based on East Asian aesthetics.