New method for an evaluation of the esthetical improvements resulting from a mandibular angle reduction

OBJECTIVES This paper proposes Han's ratio as an objective and quantitative comparative result obtained from pre and postoperative data in patients with a mandibular angle reduction. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty patients, 12 men and 18 women, who visited the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery with the chief complaints of skeletal mandibular prognathism and prominent mandibular angle were selected. The subjects were classified into 3 groups according to the types of surgical procedures involved. Group A consisted of patients who underwent mandibular angle resection and mandibular setback. Group B was comprised of patients with mandibular angle resection, mandibular setback and genioplasty. Group C consisted of patients with mandibular angle resection, mandibular setback, Le Fort I osteotomy, and genioplasty. The landmarks placed in pre and postoperative frontal photographs were used to obtain the Han's ratio in each group. The Han's ratios were compared pre- and postoperation and according to the surgical techniques applied. RESULTS Of the 3 groups who had undergone a mandibular angle resection, all showed a statistically significant increase in Han's ratio. On the other hand, there was no statistically significant difference based on the surgical techniques used. CONCLUSION The ratio of the lateral lower face proposed in this study is a potential indicator of postoperative esthetic enhancement in mandibular angle reduction surgery.