Esthetic corrections in cases of orthognathic surgery.

When orthognathic surgery is performed to produce functional improvement of the maxillomandibular complex, additional esthetic corrections to harmonize facial proportions are often necessary as well as desired by the patient. Simultaneous profile corrections occur with orthognathic surgery, but rhinoplasty requires a second intubation after the correction of the maxillomandibular complex. In the case of an asymmetric facial deformity, a two-stage procedure is recommended because positioning of the soft tissues is more easily planned after the jaws have healed and are functioning in their new positions. Several examples of soft tissue changes and their respective orthognathic procedures are described.