Nasolabial aesthetics

Orthognathic surgery, as it relates to the maxilla, attempts to correct underlying skeletal deformities as well as improve function. In addition, it has the potential to significantly alter the central aesthetic unit of the face, the nasolabial region. A key to achieving a good functional as well as aesthetic result involves both comprehensive surgical planning and an understanding of the effects that orthognathic surgery of the maxilla will have on the soft tissues within the nasolabial region. The LeFort I osteotomy is one of the most commonly performed techniques to correct maxillary dentofacial deformities. The effects of nasal and labial changes after a LeFort I osteotomy, including widening of the alar bases of the nose, changes in the nasal tip, and flattening and thinning of the upper lip, have been previously reported by other authors. This article will discuss the nasolabial region and discuss steps involved in performing a comprehensive aesthetic evaluation, as well how the LeFort I osteotomy may produce specific changes related to the external nasal morphology. In addition, emphasis will be given to the lips, and the effects of reduction and augmentation procedures will be discussed as they relate to the nasolabial region.