Changes in three-dimensional nasal morphology according to the direction of maxillary movement during Le Fort I osteotomy

Abstract

Background: Le Fort I (LFI) osteotomy is commonly performed by orthognathic surgeons; however, postoperative changes in nasolabial morphology are of concern. Several factors influence such changes, but it is difficult to accurately predict the postoperative results. This study evaluated the three-dimensional (3D) morphological changes in the nasal region according to the different directions of maxillary movement during LFI osteotomy.

Materials and methods: Forty-one patients who underwent LFI osteotomies were included. All patients were divided into maxilla-up (Group U: 20 patients) and maxilla-forward (Group F: 21 patients) groups. Soft tissue morphologies were determined preoperatively and 3 or 6 months postoperatively using an optical 3D scanner. All datasets were evaluated in terms of volume changes in nine subregions and changes in linear measurements around the nasal area.

Results: Both groups exhibited increased nasal volumes after surgery in the order of the three upper, three central, and three lower subregions. The change in volume of the central nasal region tended to be greater in Group U than that in Group F.

Conclusion: We evaluated 3D morphological changes in the nasal region according to the direction of maxillary movement during LFI osteotomy. Group U exhibited a large change in the volume of the central nasal region.

Keywords: Alar base cinch suture; External nasal morphology; Le Fort I osteotomy; Soft tissue; Three-dimensional.