Evaluation and Treatment of Vertical Microgenia

Abstract

Objective

To evaluate treatment of vertical microgenia in patients with chin deformities.

Methods

Twenty-one patients were included in this retrospective review. The 3 authors performed a lengthening genioplasty with or without interpositional grafting on each patient in either an academic or a private practice setting.

Results

Subjective analysis suggests a substantial improvement of lower face aesthetics in all patients. The degree of subjective change depended on the type of deformity, whether there was vertical microgenia alone or in combination with a sagittal (horizontal) deficiency, and the morphologic characteristics of the labiomental sulcus. There were no significant complications.

Conclusion

Vertical lengthening of the chin should be considered in patients with the combination of a vertically short lower facial height, deepened labiomental fold, recessive chin, and recessive and/or procumbent lower lip.