Plastic surgery: Difference between revisions

The LeFort 1 procedure is relatively simple and frequently performed. It is most frequently performed on people who have had braces to correct a [[malocclusion]] (faulty bite). The LeFort 1 involves cutting the bone underneath the nose to separate the lower [[maxilla]] from the rest of the face. The maxilla can then be moved into a more ideal position and screwed into place. There is a great deal of flexibility in possible movement of the maxilla. It can be moved forward (to correct [[maxillary retrusion]]), backward (to correct [[bimaxillary prognathism]]), and, if a slice of bone is removed, even upward (to reduce the distance between the nose and mouth).  

When the maxilla's position is changed, the mandible's position will change along with it. This is because the teeth must come together, and when they do, the[[ mandible]] will move along with them. This usually will end up creating a more functional and attractive result for both the maxilla and mandible. Sometimes, in the case of [[maxillary advancement]], however, the mandible is not able to fit the maxilla's new position. In this case, a [[bisaggital split osteotomy]] can be performed to adjust the length of the mandible and create a better fit. This combined procedure is known as [[maxillomandibular advancement]].

When the maxilla is moved forward, this is called [[maxillary advancement]].

Also called BSSO for short, this surgery is often performed in conjunction with the LeFort 1. Its purpose is to adjust the [[mandibular base|mandibular border length]] (distance from the chin to [[ramus]]). This is done by cutting through the lower part of the jaw and shifting it forward, or removing a slice of bone and shifting it backward. As with the LeFort procedures, the jaw's new position is held in place with screws.

A weak or recessed chin is a common aesthetic defect. It creates a weak, submissive, feminine appearance from the profile view. Strengthening the chin may be addressed by a genioplasty or by placing an implant into the chin. In severe cases of chin recession, both surgeries may be needed to create a normal-looking result.  

A common (and usually unnoticed) aesthetic deformity is called a negative orbital vector. This deformity is caused by a weakly developed lower orbital rim (bottom of the eye socket, directly above the cheekbones). It causes the eyes to look tired and overly protrusive or bulging. Sometimes, it leads to scleral show. This means that the whites of the eyes are visible underneath the iris, since the lower orbital rim is too weakly developed to hold the lower eyelid in its ideal position. An implant can be placed directly under the eye, through an incision made into the lower eyelid, to correct this problem.