Anat Cell Biol.  2025 Mar;58(1):136-139. 10.5115/acb.24.181.

Non-invasive procedure implementation for enhanced smile facial muscle movement after orthognathic surgery: a case report

• Kim SJ
• Kim SB
• Heo YR
• Kim HJ

• KMID: 2565966
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5115/acb.24.181

Abstract

This study examined the case of 27-year-old female who underwent orthognathic surgery to correct class 3 malocclusion, resulting in an unnatural smile. The research aimed to assess the efficacy of non-invasive treatment in enhancing facial muscle movement during smiling to achieve a natural smile. The patient received eight sessions of treatment using non-invasive devices, and facial assessment were conducted using three-dimensional scanner (Morpheus 3D Scanner) to evaluate facial features in both relaxed and maximum smile states pre- and post-treatment. The results demonstrated improvements in the symmetry of the lower lip height during smiling, along with increases in mouth width and volume in the upper central area. Subjectively, the patient also reported enhanced comfort while smiling. These findings suggest that non-invasive procedures can effectively improve unnatural smiles following orthognathic surgery, contributing to a more aesthetically pleasing smile presentation.

Keyword

Non-invasive procedure; Orthognathic surgery; Facial muscles; Smile

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Comparison of smile photographs before and after orthognathic surgery. (A) Pre-surgery, (B) post-surgery, illustrating the left lower lip positioned lower than the right during smiling.

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  Fig. 2 Comparison of smile photographs before and after EMFACE (BTL Industries, Inc.) treatment. (A) Before treatment, with the left lower lip positioned lower than the right, indicating asymmetry. (B) After the 6th session, showing a symmetrical smile.

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  Fig. 3 Three-dimensional scanning image superimposed before and after the procedure in a resting state. (A) First comparison after initial session, (B) comparison after the 5th session. Red indicates an increase in volume, while blue indicates a decrease. The increase in volume on the left side suggests muscle strengthening and a transition toward a more symmetrical smile.

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  Fig. 4 Landmark for measuring horizontal length of the lips. The length was measured from each cheilion to the midpoint of the stomion along the line connecting them for both left and right sides in smiling photographs.

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  Fig. 5 Comparison of nasolabial angles. (A) 112° before EMFACE (BTL Industries, Inc.) treatment, (B) 109° after eight sessions of EMFACE. The reduction in angle indicates an increase in the volume of the central part of the upper lip.

Reference

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