Sex-Specific Facial-Soft-Tissue Morphology in Mandibular Prognathism: A Homologous-Model Analysis

Area of Science:

• Craniofacial Surgery
• Orthognathic Surgery
• Facial Soft Tissue Analysis

Background:

• Mandibular prognathism presents unique challenges in facial soft tissue morphology.
• Understanding sex-specific differences is crucial for effective treatment planning in orthognathic surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate sex differences in facial soft tissue morphology in patients with mandibular prognathism.
• To assess the outcomes of bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO) considering these sex differences.
• To determine if surgical outcomes differ between males and females with mandibular prognathism.

Main Methods:

• Inclusion of 30 patients (15 males, 15 females) with mandibular prognathism and 30 healthy controls (15 males, 15 females).
• Collection of three-dimensional facial data and analysis using homologous modeling.
• Application of principal component analysis (PCA), analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Tukey's test for qualitative and quantitative assessments.

Main Results:

• Males exhibited greater facial height and longer chins compared to females.
• Females presented with smaller chins and a more rounded zygomatic-cheek area.
• Postoperative male patients' facial morphology approximated that of healthy males, while females retained features like midface flatness and increased facial height.

Conclusions:

• Surgical outcomes for mandibular prognathism vary between sexes.
• Female patients may require additional midface and chin surgical interventions for improved esthetics and satisfaction.
• Tailoring orthognathic surgery based on sex-specific facial morphology is essential for optimal patient outcomes.