Skeletal Contouring Techniques in the Ethnic Patient

The zygomaticomaxillary complex and mandible play a significant role in facial beauty. The projection of these bones drapes and conforms the overlying soft tissues, resulting in the light reflections and shadows that define a face. The size, contour, and projection of these bones of beauty are sexually dimorphic and ethnically defined. Excessive projection of these bones in any dimension can lead to undesirable esthetic appearance. Reduction malarplasty and mandibuloplasty are effective techniques that can be used to reshape the facial skeleton to a more desirable shape.