Modification of square face in men.

BACKGROUND Women with elliptical faces are considered to be aesthetically appealing in Asia. Some men prefer this shape for themselves and choose to have their square-shaped face altered to an elliptical shape. To accomplish this, we perform an ostectomy that includes resection of the mandibular angle, splitting of the lateral cortex, and reduction in the width of the chin. METHODS Nineteen men with a square face (aged 22-30 years) underwent ostectomy, including resection of the mandibular angle, splitting of the lateral cortex around the mandibular angle, and reduction of the width of the chin by an intraoral approach. RESULTS The results of the ostectomy were satisfactory 3 to 6 months postoperatively. The bigonial distance was effectively reduced and stable chin contours were achieved. The overall shape of the face was elliptical. There was no microgenia, facial asymmetry, hematoma, infection, or permanent mental nerve injury. CONCLUSION Ostectomy that includes resection of the mandibular angle, splitting of the lateral cortex, and reduction in the width of the chin is a safe and effective method to modify a man's square-shaped face into a more elliptical appearance.