Zigzag Genioplasty; Patients Evaluation, Technique Modifications and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of our study was to evaluate patients and technique and complete a review of the literature related to Zigzag genioplasty. Materials and Methods: To address the research purpose, the investigators designed and implemented a prospective clinical trial study. Seven osteotomy types (I–VII) are proposed for genioplasty that will permit one to decrease the 3-dimensions of the chin. These osteotomy designs are based on the displacement of bone fragments on the slopes of an inclined plane with a superior-medial direction. Results: All of the patients were satisfied with the esthetic results of their osteotomy. Based on presurgical and post-surgical facial analysis and clinical evaluations, no patients who received a Zigzag osteotomy suffered from permanent neurosensory deficiency, infection, hardware failure, severe pain, asymmetry, necrosis, massive hematoma, relapse, or suprahyoid muscle dysfunction. Conclusions: As a result, on the basis of our experience with 23 patients and after at least 1 year of follow-up with each one, the authors concluded that this technique is simple and easy to implement.