Assessment of soft-tissue vs hard-tissue changes after isolated functional genioplasty

Area of Science:

• Orthodontics and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Skeletal and Soft-Tissue Cephalometric Analysis

Background:

• Genioplasty is a surgical procedure to alter the chin's position and shape.
• Understanding soft-tissue and hard-tissue changes post-genioplasty is crucial for predicting outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate vertical and horizontal soft-tissue versus hard-tissue changes following isolated functional genioplasty.
• To analyze hard-tissue remodeling at the symphysis after genioplasty.
• To compare changes in different age groups and assess long-term stability.

Main Methods:

• Seventy-five patients undergoing isolated genioplasty were divided into three age groups (<15, 15-18, ≥19 years).
• Cephalometric analysis was performed at three time points: pre-surgery (T1), post-surgery (T2), and two years post-surgery (T3).
• A control group of 25 non-genioplasty patients was used for comparison.

Main Results:

• Horizontal hard-tissue changes at the pogonion (Pg) were stable long-term in non-growing patients.
• Horizontal soft-tissue changes at Pg were approximately 92% of hard-tissue changes.
• Vertical soft-tissue changes were found to be less predictable than horizontal changes.

Conclusions:

• Isolated genioplasty demonstrates stable horizontal hard-tissue changes and predictable horizontal soft-tissue responses.
• Vertical soft-tissue changes are less predictable, while soft-tissue thickness changes at the menton (Me) were significant.
• Genioplasty provides functional and esthetic benefits, does not alter growth patterns, and involves bone remodeling at the symphysis.