Midface contour change after reduction malarplasty with a modified L-shaped osteotomy: a surgical outcomes study.

[BACKGROUND] The zygomatic bone, which is located on both sides of the midface, significantly contributes to the overall facial form. Asian people usually have a wide midface and prominent zygoma. Reduction malarplasty is one of the most frequently performed facial contouring surgeries in Asian countries. This study aimed to evaluate the surgical outcomes of reduction malarplasty with a modified L-shaped osteotomy.

[METHODS] This study evaluated surgical outcomes of 30 patients (3 men and 27 women) who had undergone reduction malarplasty with a modified L-shaped osteotomy. Photogrammetric analysis using graphics software was performed, and the prominence and height of the malar eminence were measured in the presurgical and postsurgical photographs. Attractiveness quotients were rated based on visual assessment of the presurgical and postsurgical groups.

[RESULTS] The malar eminence showed a significant decrease in prominence between the presurgical and postsurgical groups (P < 0.001) without a significant change in height. Facial attractiveness increased significantly after surgery.

[CONCLUSIONS] We devised a simple and intuitive method for the photographic measurement of the malar prominence. Reduction malarplasty with a modified L-shaped osteotomy resulted in a notably reduced malar prominence without obvious downward displacement of the malar eminence.

[LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V] This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.