J Korean Soc Plast Reconstr Surg.  1999 May;26(3):421-426.

Mandibular Angle Contouring at the Time of Face Lift

• Cho ST
• Whang KW
• Cha DS

Abstract

Many people want to receive facial rejuvenation with surgical treatment, but the post operative result is not always satisfying following classic soft tissue surgery. The reasons for dissatisfaction are many. We were particularly interested in the skeletal disharmony which is frequent in orientals. Since many orientals have flat and quadrangular facial contours, they often don't obtain the harmony of the facial skeleton and soft tissue despite successful surgery. So, to correct facial contour, mandibular angle contouring can be performed at the time of face lift. Seven patients had mandibular angle resection performed during facial rhytidectomy from October of 1996 to October of 1998 at Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, and they were followed from 4 months to 24 months. At the time of face lift, we tried the retromandibular approach for mandibular angle resection when it was indicated, instead of the intraoral approach which does not leave a noticeable scar and does not have the risk of facial nerve injury. Because of a restricted operative field, the intraoral approach has the disadvantages of a long operation time and a high risk of complications. The retromandibular approach with rhytidectomy incision showed neither noticeable scar nor developed a facial nerve injury. In conclusion, we found that mandibular angle contouring by retromandibular approach is easy and the result is more normal with a shorter recovery time. There were no complications and aesthetic results were quite satisfactory.

MeSH Terms

Cicatrix
Facial Nerve Injuries
Humans
Rejuvenation
Rhytidoplasty*
Skeleton