Introduction: The addition of cervicofacial lipodissection to the procedures used with facial osteotomies has been shown to markedly improve the cosmetics of the cervicofacial complex and the results of orthognathic surgery. Materials and Methods: A technique, including instrumentation, is described as a combination of liposuction and dissection of the tissues, and photographs of 2 surgical cases are included. Results: The benefits of orthognathic surgery and facial osteotomies include improvement of the occlusion, preservation of the dentition, and better function of the temporomandibular joint. Discussion: This article is intended to review the anatomy, patient evaluation, and use of lipodissection to improve the cosmesis of the submandibular and neck tissues. The indications for orthognathic surgery are reviewed. The advantages of cervicofacial lipodissection in correcting the submental, neck, and lateral jowl fullness, which accompanies mandibular setback surgery or reduction genioplasty and neck soft tissue fullness not corrected with orthognathic surgery alone, are reviewed. The cosmetic benefits to the older adult patient with aging in the cervicofacial area are described. The benefits of maxillary and mandibular osteotomies, the shortcomings of facial osteotomies in correcting the adverse cosmesis in the neck and submental areas, and a review of the procedures used in treating neck soft tissue redundancy are discussed. The importance of preoperative soft tissue evaluation and a review of the anatomy is presented. Conclusion: The addition of lipodissection of the cervicofacial areas may result in a greatly improved neck contour. Considering the large number of surgeons performing orthognathic surgery and the increasing number of surgeons interested in cosmetic surgery, this technique combines the 2 surgical modalities.
Temporomandibular joint function 10-15 years after mandibular setback surgery and six weeks of intermaxillary fixation
