Clinical observations of correction of square jaw in East Asian individuals.

[OBJECTIVE] A square face along with a variety of facial features is considered to be unappealing in the East Asian population. Thus, the objective of this study was to assess the facial features and the various operative techniques available for surgical correction of a square jaw via the intraoral approach.

[STUDY DESIGN] All surgical procedures were performed via the intraoral approach. Surgical approaches such as curved mandibular ostectomy, outer cortex splitting ostectomy, "V-Line" ostectomy, and modified genioplasty were performed according to the different types of facial characteristics. All the patients had standard frontal and lateral cephalometric radiographs and panoramic radiographs, and were photographed preoperatively and postoperatively to assess their facial contour.

[RESULTS] The width of the lower face caused by prominence of the mandibular angle was effectively corrected, resulting in improved facial contours. Limitation of mouth opening was seen immediately postsurgically but returned to normal following a period of mouth-opening exercises. Serious complications, such as facial nerve injury or fracture, were not witnessed in our study.

[CONCLUSION] Mandibuloplasty is an effective and a safe method for the treatment of a prominent mandibular angle. The selection of surgery should be based on the type of square jaw.