Chin Lengthening Surgery: Autologous Bone Graft for Chin Extension

Harmonious facial proportions and delicate contours play a crucial role in defining an individual’s beauty. Among various facial contouring procedures, chin surgery significantly impacts overall facial balance and harmony by modifying the shape and position of the chin.

Chin surgery includes chin advancement, chin reduction, chin lengthening, and chin setback procedures. Today, we will analyze a case of chin lengthening surgery using an autologous bone graft, performed as part of a three-jaw contouring procedure. Through a comparative CT analysis, we will examine how bone lengthening affects the facial skeleton and soft tissue, providing objective insights for those considering this procedure.

Surgical Overview

Patient Information

• Gender/Age: 29-year-old female

• Procedures Performed:

  • Chin T-osteotomy: Lengthened by 3mm, no change in anteroposterior position, narrowed by 4mm

  • Mandibular angle reduction: Resection of the mandibular angle, cortical bone shaving, and masseter muscle reduction

  • Zygoma reduction:

    • 45-degree osteotomy: 3mm reduction

    • Bone movement (based on fixation plate standards): 45-degree zygoma reduction by 2mm, lateral zygoma reduction by 6mm

Additionally, the patient received botox injections in the temples two weeks before surgery and underwent lip filler and dental laminate treatments after the procedure.

Postoperative Changes and Analysis

Body Composition Changes

• Weight: 0.4kg decrease

• Body fat percentage: 7% increase

• Muscle mass: 4kg decrease

Bone Structure Changes (3-Month Postoperative CT Analysis)

A CT comparison was performed to assess bone modifications.

3-Month Postoperative CT Analysis

3-Month Postoperative CT Analysis

1. Chin Lengthening Effect

   • Bone structure analysis confirmed a 3mm increase in chin length.

   • Soft tissue lengthening was approximately half the bone length increase.

     

     Chin Lengthening Effect

2. Lip Changes

   
   

   • The thicker lips resulted from both lip filler injections and thicker dental laminates.

     
     

3. Soft Tissue Thickness Changes

   • Postoperative soft tissue was thinner than preoperative measurements.

   • The observed reduction in soft tissue thickness was due to tension caused by the extended chin.짐

   
   

   

   Soft Tissue Thickness Changes

   
   

Facial Contour Changes

Postoperative changes in the patient’s facial contour were evident:

• Smoother Lateral Zygomatic Line

  • The transition from the temporal area to the jawline became more refined.

    

    Smoother Lateral Zygomatic Line

• Enhanced Jawline Definition

  • Despite the reduction of the mandibular angle, the jawline appeared more distinct.

    

    Jawline Definition

• Lower Positioning of the Lips and Oral Commissure

  • The lips and oral commissure were positioned slightly lower postoperatively.

  
  
  
  
  
  

Chin Lengthening Using Autologous Bone Graft

In this case, autologous bone was used instead of an implant for chin extension.

1. The chin bone was vertically lengthened, creating a gap.

2. Bone harvested from the mandibular angle reduction was finely crushed and grafted into the gap.

3. CT scans confirmed natural adaptation and healing of the grafted bone.

Additionally, thicker dental laminates made the teeth appear bulkier, creating the visual effect of a longer and wider chin.

Chin Lengthening Using Autologous Bone Graft

Chin Lengthening Using Autologous Bone Graft

Clinical Photo Analysis

앞턱길이연장술 임상 사진 분석

Clinical Photo Analysis

The clinical photos provided additional insights:

• Although CT scans showed a 3mm increase, the chin appeared to be lengthened by approximately 5mm in photographs.

• Photo comparisons were adjusted using the nose and eyes as reference points.

• Differences in ear exposure were due to the hairband position rather than facial asymmetry.됨

Conclusion

Chin lengthening surgery using autologous bone grafts is a viable option for patients who require chin elongation without implants. Utilizing bone from the mandibular angle reduction enhances graft compatibility and reduces complications.

This case highlights the importance of considering both skeletal and soft tissue changes in facial contouring. By analyzing postoperative results, patients can gain a more objective understanding of the outcomes of chin lengthening surgery.

We hope this detailed case analysis provides valuable information for those considering chin surgery.

Thank you.

Chin Lengthening Surgery

Chin Lengthening Surgery