Orthognathic surgery is undertaken to correct anteroposterior, vertical, and transverse
anomalies of the maxilla and mandible. Surgery has significant effects on the overlying
soft tissue envelope. Some of these effects are beneficial while others may be detrimental
to facial aesthetics. This review aims to update the reader on what soft tissue changes
occur following orthognathic surgery to the mandible and maxilla. It is important
to anticipate the detrimental effects of orthognathic surgery as this will allow the
patient to be warned about them before treatment and in some cases, adjunctive procedures
may be planned to limit the unwanted changes.
Keywords
orthognathic surgery - maxillary advancement - maxillary impaction - mandibular advancement
- mandibular setback - genioplasty - soft tissues