Prediction of soft-tissue changes following single and bi-jaw surgery: An evaluative study

INTRODUCTION: Orthognathic surgery is carried out in the hard tissues; however, the patient perceives change in the soft tissue. It is important to accurately predict postoperative facial changes associated with each surgical procedure. This study aims to evaluate the changes in the soft tissues resulting from the movement of the hard tissue following single and bi-jaw surgeries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An evaluative clinical study was carried out on a total of 34 subjects which consisted of 52 jaw surgeries. Maxilla and mandible were considered as a separate entity even in bi-jaw cases for evaluation. Surgical procedures performed were either bilateral sagittal split osteotomy, Le Fort I osteotomy or both. Pre- and post-surgical lateral cephalograms were compared to assess the soft-tissue change at various soft-tissue points and were labeled T1 and T2, respectively. The points on maxilla were Point A and PrS on upper lip. The points on mandible were PrI and Point B on lower lip and Pog and Gn on chin. RESULTS: All the points on the maxilla and mandible had a strong correlation between the hard and soft-tissue points except point PrS on upper lip. DISCUSSION: Facial appearance is an important parameter in the present times which influences the social and psychological development of an individual. What patient sees is the external soft-tissue drape whereas orthognathic surgery is carried out on bony components of the face. Thus prediction of soft-tissue changes following surgery is an important part of treatment planning.