Surgical correction of the vertically deficient chin

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Plastic Surgery
• Biomaterials Science

Background:

• Vertical microgenia (deficient chin height) is underdiagnosed.
• Surgical correction stability using autogenous bone grafts is questionable.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and stability of vertical augmentation genioplasty using porous block hydroxyapatite.
• To review vertical facial aesthetics in treating vertically deficient lower faces.

Main Methods:

• Eight patients underwent vertical augmentation genioplasty with a transverse symphyseal osteotomy.
• Porous, block hydroxyapatite was used as an interpositional implant.
• Preoperative and postoperative measurements assessed vertical lengthening.

Main Results:

• Mean vertical chin lengthening was 5.3 mm.
• Complete stability of the repositioned segment was observed at a mean follow-up of 11.1 months.
• The soft to hard tissue augmentation ratio was 0.89:1, with no operative complications.

Conclusions:

• Transverse symphyseal osteotomy with porous hydroxyapatite interposition is a stable and effective method for vertical chin augmentation.
• This technique improves vertical facial aesthetics in patients with deficient chins.
• Porous hydroxyapatite offers a reliable alternative for correcting vertical microgenia.