Analysis of select esthetic nasal parameters in virtually planned orthognathic patients.

[PURPOSE] Bony changes after orthognathic surgery are always followed by changes of the overlying soft tissues. Therefore, morphologic changes of the nose may be expected after procedures involving the maxilla. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the changes in the nasal region due to orthognathic surgery using computed tomography (CT) images of virtually planned patients.

[METHODS] 35 patients who underwent Le Fort I osteotomy, with or without bilateral sagittal split osteotomy, were included. 3D measurements on preoperative and postoperative images were performed and analyzed.

[RESULTS] The results revealed that aesthetically acceptable results can be achieved by orthognathic surgery alone.

[CONCLUSIONS] According to the results of this study, it can be concluded that it is best to reserve decisions on rhinoplasty to the post-orthognathic period.