Long-term osseous and soft tissue changes after large chin advancements.

When a large chin advancement is performed and a broad musculo-periosteal pedicle is preserved, excessive stretching of the suprahyoid musculature may occur, leading to instability or resorption of the advanced genial segment. The present study was designed to evaluate long-term osseous and soft tissue changes after large advancement genioplasties (greater than 10 mm), achieved by horizontal osteotomy of the inferior border of the mandible, with preservation of a musculo-periosteal pedicle to the advanced genial segment. Bone remodeling and the inherent soft tissue changes were radiographically assessed in a long-term follow-up period (mean = 26.8 months), with attention to observe progressive osseous changes. Despite the observed 17% bone resorption, the enveloping soft tissues of the chin followed the bony movement in a ratio of 1:0.83. Osseous resorption was not progressive, and the soft tissue changes remained unaltered. A broad musculo-periosteal pedicle consistent with the surgical objective should remain attached to the advanced genial segment to minimize osseous resorption and achieve more predictable soft tissue changes. We emphasize the need for a longer follow-up period (25-30 years) to determine the effect of the stabilization devices and osseous remodeling, specially in younger patients.