Variations of the profile of the nose of the upper lip.

Background: The aim of this study is to analyze the path needed to achieve a good aesthetic and functional result in patients treated with orthognathic surgery.

Methods: Seventy-three patients with only III class malocclusion were treated with sagittal split ramus osteotomy and with Le Fort I in only one piece. Through the analysis of anatomical cephalometric tracings, changes in the skeletal base, upper incisor and nose's shape were evaluated. The statistical analysis measurements were calculated for each length and for each angle at T0 (preoperative value) and at T1 (postoperative value).

Results: A significant statistical correlation was found mainly between forward movement of the upper maxilla and the outline of the nose, the nasal projection, and the naso-labial angle (NLA). The upper incisor in movements of verticality and inclination did not show any significant correlations with modifications of the NLA.

Conclusions: A significant correlation can be seen between the forward movements of the upper maxilla with the outline of the nose, the nasal projection and the Naso-Labial Angle.