Tomographic Evaluation of Nasal Structures Changes After Orthognathic Surgery

The bimaxillary orthognathic surgeries, function and aesthetics are always associated. However, it has become evident that there are nasal changes in the postoperative period whenever the maxilla is positioned superiorly or advanced [1]. With Lefort I osteotomy, there is a widening of the nasal base associated with the flattening and thinning of the upper lip. Depending on the patient's nasal anatomy, skin thickness, and soft tissue characteristics, other nasal changes such as those in the dorsum or tip may occur. The maxillary movement associated with dissection and detachment of the facial muscles at the anterior nasal spine and nasolabial region causes lateral muscle retraction and widening of the nasal base [2]. Methods: Computed tomography scans of 21 patients who underwent orthognathic surgery were used. These CT scans were performed prior to the surgical procedure (T1) and at least 6 months after orthognathic surgery (T2). The intercanthal distance, the alar width of the nose, the intercrural distance, the right and left nostrils (horizontal and vertical) and the nasolabial angle were measured. Maxillary advancement was measured in millimeters through the ANS (anterior nasal spine) point of the maxilla; (3) Results: Regarding gender, the distribution was balanced, with 52.4% of the partici-pants being male and 47.6% female. The age of the patients ranged from 18 to 46 years, with a mean of 29.3 years (standard deviation of 8.5) and a median of 28 years. The mean mean surgical maxillary advancement was 4.9 mm (standard deviation of 1.2), with a median of 4.7 mm and a range between 3.1 and 7.2 mm. (4) Conclusions: The nasal structures measured in orthognathic surgeries, the distance from the alar base, the na-solabial angle, and the horizontal dimensions of the right and left nostrils show statistically significant differences in the postoperative period.