Sagittal split ramus osteotomy with mandible reduction.

[BACKGROUND] The sagittal split ramus osteotomy is a well-established procedure, and many authors have attempted various modifications of the surgical technique. Nowadays, it is widely acknowledged that people in Korea, Japan, and China prefer an oval face, the lower part of which is slender. Therefore, among facial contouring procedures, the mandible reduction procedure is the most popular procedure in these countries. It is quite difficult for patients to undergo two different procedures on almost the same region separately.

[METHODS] For patients who underwent sagittal split ramus osteotomy on their mandible for various reasons, the authors performed mandible reduction at the same time if necessary. In the event that two procedures are performed simultaneously, the risk would be higher regarding postoperative stability, but there was no significant problem in achieving stable occlusion after surgery through a rigid fixation technique and 2 weeks of rigid intermaxillary fixation.

[RESULTS] The authors attained satisfactory aesthetic results and good postoperative stability by performing sagittal split ramus osteotomy and mandible reduction at the same time.

[CONCLUSION] This procedure is thought to be useful for patients who are to undergo sagittal split ramus osteotomy for various reasons and want to have a slender lower face.