Mandibular Contouring Surgical Techniques

Mandibular contouring encompasses a range of surgical interventions designed to reshape the lower jaw for aesthetic enhancement or functional correction. Central to these procedures are osteotomies of the mandibular angle and symphyseal region, permitting reduction of prominence or asymmetry. Conventional intraoral approaches remain prevalent for access to the mandibular body and angle, minimising visible scars, while external routes such as the retroauricular incision have emerged to preserve facial nerve integrity and expedite recovery. Genioplasty techniques, including single-piece segment lateralisation and T-osteotomy narrowing, allow precise adjustment of chin projection and symmetry. Advances in three-dimensional imaging and computer-assisted planning facilitate custom guides and predictive finite-element analyses to optimise bony resection and fixation strategies. Careful consideration of anatomical landmarks—particularly the course of the inferior alveolar nerve and the morphology of the masseter muscle—underpins safe execution. The integration of soft-tissue management, from direct liposuction to bichectomy, further refines lower-face contours, ensuring harmonious balance between bone and overlying tissues. Globally, these techniques address diverse aesthetic ideals and reconstructive needs, from square-shaped faces in East Asian populations to gender-affirming lower-face feminisation or masculinisation, demonstrating wide clinical applicability and cultural relevance.

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Mandibular Contouring Surgical Techniques publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in mandibular contouring surgical techniques across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Osteotomy: Surgical cutting of bone to allow mobilization and reshaping of the mandibular segments.

Genioplasty: Osteotomy of the chin segment (mandibular symphysis) to advance, setback or laterally shift the chin for contour adjustment.

Mandibular angle: Anatomical region at the junction of the mandibular body and ramus, often modified to soften a square facial appearance.

Retroauricular approach: External incision behind the ear used to access the mandibular angle whilst minimising facial scars and protecting the facial nerve.

Masseter muscle: Major masticatory muscle attached to the mandibular ramus; its bulk influences lower-face width and contour planning.

Inferior alveolar nerve: Sensory nerve traversing the mandibular canal, at risk during mandibular osteotomies and requiring precise preoperative mapping.

References

1. Mandible Angle Resection with the Retroauricular Approach. Journal of Clinical Medicine (2023).
2. Hard and Soft Tissue Facial Landmarks for Mandibular Angle Reduction: A Clinical Study. Clinics and Practice (2024).
3. Esthetic Surgery of the Chin in Cis- and Transgender Patients—Application of T-Genioplasty vs. Single-Piece Segment Lateralization. Medicina (2024).