Chin Augmentation with Genioplasty and Autologous Bone Graft: A Case Study
- Dr. Park
- Nov 11, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 22
Dr. Park Jong-chul, a specialist in oral and maxillofacial surgery, presents a case study of a patient with a deficient chin (retrogenia). This case demonstrates the effective use of genioplasty combined with autologous bone grafting to achieve chin advancement, lengthening, and enhanced mandibular body volume.
Understanding Retrogenia and its Solutions
Retrogenia, or a deficient chin, is characterized by underdevelopment of the chin, resulting in a weak jawline and a shortened facial appearance. This condition is often most noticeable in profile view and can create an unbalanced facial aesthetic. When a patient also presents with insufficient volume in the mandibular body, especially noticeable when smiling, a simple chin advancement may not be sufficient. In such cases, genioplasty combined with augmentation of the mandibular body can provide a more harmonious outcome.
Case Analysis and Surgical Plan
The patient in this case study exhibited the following features:
Retruded Chin: The chin was posteriorly positioned in the profile view.
Insufficient Mandibular Body Volume: Lack of volume in the lower face was apparent, particularly when smiling, contributing to a "jowly" appearance and seemingly excess chin soft tissue.
Short Face: The facial height was disproportionately short compared to the facial width.
The primary concern was the lack of mandibular body volume, especially noticeable when smiling. To address these issues, the following surgical plan was devised:
Chin Advancement and Lengthening: A sliding genioplasty was performed to advance and lengthen the chin, improving facial proportions.
Mandibular Body Augmentation: Autologous bone grafting was performed to increase volume in the mandibular body, creating a more balanced and natural appearance when smiling.
Surgical Results : CT Scan Analysis
Chin Advancement and Lengthening: Postoperative CT scans at 4 months clearly demonstrate the advancement and lengthening of the chin.
Bone Changes: Superimposition of pre- and postoperative CT scans highlights the changes in bone structure, confirming successful augmentation of the mandibular body.
Quantitative Analysis: Measurements from the CT scans reveal a vertical increase of 3.06mm and a diagonal increase of 4.08mm in chin projection. The bone graft also resulted in a noticeable increase in the lateral width of the mandibular body.
Clinical Photo Analysis:
Facial Slimming: The patient's face appears slimmer overall after surgery.
Natural Smile: Augmentation of the mandibular body resulted in a more natural and balanced smile.
Choosing the Right Surgical Approach: Autologous Bone Graft vs. Implants
Patients often face the decision of using autologous bone grafts or implants for chin augmentation. Autologous bone grafts, harvested from the patient's own body, offer excellent biocompatibility and are effective for increasing mandibular body volume. However, this approach involves a more complex procedure and a longer recovery period. Implants, on the other hand, offer a simpler procedure and faster recovery but may have limitations in terms of biocompatibility and long-term stability.
Conclusion and Recommendations
Genioplasty, combined with autologous bone grafting to augment the mandibular body, effectively addresses retrogenia and creates a more balanced and harmonious facial appearance. This case study demonstrates the positive impact of this approach, particularly in achieving a natural smile. The choice of surgical technique depends on the patient's individual needs and preferences.
Chin augmentation not only improves facial aesthetics but also plays a crucial role in overall facial balance and self-confidence. This comprehensive approach to correcting retrogenia provides patients with a more natural and aesthetically pleasing result.
Chin Augmentation with Genioplasty and Autologous Bone Graft
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