EVALUATION OF ALAR BASE IN PATIENTS WITH SURGICAL MAXILLARY EXPAMSION AND LE FORT I OSTEOTOMY

The aim of the study is to present the modifications that occur at the alar base in patients that had orthognathic surgical procedures in order to perform maxillary expansion or advancement. 15 patients were measured using the same methods of measurement. Intraoperative suture of the alar base was performed, using cinch suture or V-Y technique. These measurements were effectuated preoperative and 2, 6, and 12 month postoperative. The results gathered showed a significant growth of the alar base in the postoperative period. The conclusions present the growth in dimension of the alar base, even if suture was performed intraoperative. Though, the clinical and subjective result has not been compromised; we obtained satisfactory esthetic effects. Key terms: Maxillary advancements, maxillary expansion, alar base, Le Fort I osteotomy.