Novel Approach for Midface Depression

Area of Science:

• Maxillofacial surgery
• Orthodontics
• Plastic surgery

Background:

• Traditional treatments for midface retraction, including Le Fort type II osteotomy, prosthesis, and orthodontic therapy, present challenges such as high costs, infection risks, and excessive tooth movement.
• The Point A-Koji method was developed as an innovative approach to address these limitations in managing midface retraction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and evaluate the efficacy of the Point A-Koji method for correcting midface retraction.
• To present a case report demonstrating the application and outcomes of this novel technique.

Main Methods:

• A case report details the treatment of a 26-year-old female with midface depression and mouth protrusion.
• The Point A-Koji method involved anterior migration of the A-point using a periosteal graft secured by a metallic plate implant.
• Surgical fixation was achieved by screwing the plate to the bone, with periosteal advancement to prevent soft tissue relapse.

Main Results:

• Post-surgical evaluation at 5 months showed significant improvements in facial convexity (3.3° to 7.6°).
• Key aesthetic changes included an increased nasolabial angle (74° to 90.2°) and improved subnasale-Pog' to upper lip distance (6.5 mm to 4.7 mm).
• These results indicate a successful correction of midface retraction.

Conclusions:

• The Point A-Koji method demonstrates potential as an effective and ideal treatment for improving midface retraction.
• This technique offers a promising alternative for patients seeking correction of midface deficiency.