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Updated: Nov 8, 2025
A Postoperative Evaluation Guideline for Computer-Assisted Reconstruction of the Mandible
Published on: January 28, 2020
Changing Mandible Contour Using Computer Designed/Computer Manufactured Alloplastic Implants
David M Straughan1, Michael J Yaremchuk1
1Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
Background:
The shape of the mandible is the fundamental determinant of the appearance and sexual dimorphism of the lower one-third of the face. Utilization of computer-aided design/computer-aided manufactured (CAD/CAM) alloplastic implants provides unparalleled planning and sophistication in the correction of skeletal deficiencies, irregularities, and asymmetry.
Objectives:
This study presented the rationale, indications, techniques, and results of the senior author's (M.J.Y.) 15-year experience employing CAD/CAM alloplastic implants to correct deficiencies and asymmetries of the mandible.
Methods:
A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database was reviewed of all patients who underwent aesthetic augmentation of the mandible employing CAD/CAM alloplastic implants by the senior author.
Results:
Over a 15-year period, 123 patients underwent mandibular augmentation utilizing CAD/CAM alloplastic implants. The majority of patients were men (76.4%) with an average age of 31 years (range, 24-63 years). All implants were bilateral. Complications included infection requiring implant removal (2.4%) and patient dissatisfaction resulting in either implant revision (4.1%) or implant removal (2.4%).
Conclusions:
As described here, CAD/CAM alloplastic implants are an effective modality to augment aesthetic mandible contour deficiencies.
