Reductive Genioplasty for Facial Feminization Surgery.

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Facial Feminization Surgery

Background:

• Feminine chins are narrower and more rounded than masculine chins.
• Traditional genioplasty involves central wedge excision and fixation.
• A reductive genioplasty technique aims to narrow the chin without rigid fixation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the outcomes of in situ reductive genioplasty with traditional three-piece genioplasty with plating.
• To evaluate complication rates and revision needs for both techniques.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 178 patients undergoing genioplasty for facial feminization.
• Patients were divided into two groups: three-piece genioplasty with plating (n=136) and in situ reductive genioplasty (n=42).
• Both techniques utilized virtual surgical planning (VSP) guides.

Main Results:

• The plating group experienced 7.4% abscess and 1.5% osteomyelitis rates; the reductive group had zero infections.
• The plating group required revision surgery in 12.5% of cases, while the reductive group had no revisions (P=0.008).
• Both groups had one instance of hematoma.

Conclusions:

• In situ reductive genioplasty may be a superior alternative for facial feminization.
• This technique potentially leads to fewer post-operative complications and higher patient satisfaction.
• Eliminating rigid fixation in reductive genioplasty reduces infection and revision risks.