Influence of the maxillary sinus exposure in reduction malarplasty with an L-shaped osteotomy.

Background: The zygomatic bone forms the prominence of the midface and plays an important role in determining the human facial attractiveness. The Oriental face is mesocephalic, with a prominent zygomatic body and wide zygomatic arch. Nevertheless, as an oval face is considered ideal, reduction malarplasty is always requested by Oriental people. Currently, L-shaped zygomatic osteotomy is often reported in literature yet no previous study has documented the exact outcome of this approach after exposure of the maxillary sinus. The objective of the study was to investigate the outcome and complications of intraoral L-shaped zygomatic osteotomy with the opening of maxillary sinus.

Method: All patients were subjected to computed tomography before and 12 months after surgery. All parameters were obtained with morphometric analysis for clinical evaluation, so as to reveal the change in maxillary sinus, postsurgical results, and complications.

Results: All patients were satisfied with the optimal outcome of reduction malarplasty. Morphometric analysis indicated that the volume and surface area of maxillary sinus statistically significantly changed before and after surgery. Complications included deeper nasolabial fold, infraorbital nerve injury, and so on, yet no patients reported infection or dental pulp necrosis.

Conclusions: Intraoral L-shaped osteotomy of the zygoma can improve the appearance of the patients greatly, and the exposure of maxillary sinus caused only a few complications.