How to achieve a balanced and delicate lower third of the face in orientals by mandibular contouring

SummaryIntroductionFor East Asians, correction of square jaw has become one of the commonly performed procedures in aesthetic surgery. While reviewing unsatisfactory cases of mandibular reduction, the authors discovered that failure was largely due to surgeons generally focussing too much on treatment of the posterior part of the mandible, and ignoring the aesthetic significance of the harmonious and smooth overall curve from the anterior mandible to the inferior margin of the mandible. Thus, our group proposes that a coordinated, balanced and smooth jaw line is considered a key factor in Oriental mandibular contouring.Patients and methodsA total of 128 patients accepted jaw line reshaping by ‘V-line’ ostectomy, mandibular outer cortex split ostectomy, narrowing and/or sliding genioplasty and porous polyethylene implantation to achieve the desired cosmetic effects.ResultsAll patients obtained satisfactory cosmetic results, and their square jaw was corrected. After the operation, a natural, harmonised and balanced jaw line was achieved. Lower third of the facial contour was significantly improved.ConclusionBased on different facial features of square jaw deformity, a variety of plastic surgical methods for mandibular contouring were integrated and applied to achieve a balanced and delicate jaw line.