Sagittal Genioplasty: New Techniques

The chin is a reflection of the entire face and, along with the nose, is one of the major determinants of facial profile balance. When it is appropriate in size, shape and position, the chin can enhance the normal harmony and symmetry of the face, even camouflaging less than ideal jaw relationships. Failure to perform a needed genioplasty can jeopardise the end product of many hours of otherwise successful major orthognathic or cosmetic surgery. Genioplasty procedure has been used for many years and has been modified in various ways, despite its original description by Trauner and Obwegeser.

To overcome the disadvantages of older techniques such as step deformity, less bone contact and more chances of relapse.

Type 1-Esthetic genioplasty: A curvilinear horizontal osteotomy can be performed at lower border as posteriorly as possible. After the osteotomy, the detached segment can be moved as per the requirement. Type 2-Functional genioplasty: A horizontal subapical cut was made through full thickness of the mandible involving the labial and lingual cortex, then vertical cuts were made bicortically and two oblique cuts were made at the end of vertical cuts monocortically.

This modification has various advantages such as more bone contact, no step deformity, less chance of relapse and also most effective treatment for sleep apnoea patients.