Esthetic Considerations In Minimally Invasive Orthognathic Surgery

Orthognathic surgery has long been successfully utilized to correct dentofacial deformities to help facilitate improved oral function and facial esthetics. The treatment, however, has been associated with a high degree of complexity and severe postoperative morbidity. More recently, minimally invasive orthognathic surgical procedures have emerged that offer potential long-term benefits such as less morbidity, a lower inflammation response, improved postoperative comfort, and better esthetic outcomes. This article examines the concept of minimally invasive orthognathic surgery (MIOS), discussing differences from traditional maxillary Le Fort I osteotomy, bilateral sagittal split osteotomy, and genioplasty procedures. MIOS protocols are described for various aspects of both the maxilla and mandible.