Malar augmentation using lamellar split osteotomy

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Orthodontics

Background:

• Facial contouring aims to enhance aesthetics and correct skeletal deformities.
• Traditional osteotomies have limitations in achieving desired facial projections.
• The malar-zygomatic complex is crucial for facial structure and aesthetics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and evaluate the lamellar split osteotomy technique for malar-zygomatic complex contouring.
• To demonstrate the technique's ability to achieve lateral or anterior projection.
• To assess the long-term stability and efficacy of the technique.

Main Methods:

• The lamellar split osteotomy technique involves separating the outer bone table from the inner table.
• The outer table is then bent, slid, or rotated to modify facial contour.
• Screws are used to secure the repositioned outer table; no additional implants are required.

Main Results:

• 44 lamellar split osteotomies were performed over 6 years, with 22 for malar-zygomatic advancement.
• Follow-up ranged from 6 months to 6 years.
• No bone resorption or contour changes were observed, indicating stable results even during growth.

Conclusions:

• The lamellar split osteotomy is an effective technique for altering facial contour and improving aesthetics.
• It offers a novel approach to surgical correction of skeletal deformities without implants.
• The technique provides stable and predictable outcomes in the malar-zygomatic complex, suitable for growing individuals.