Aesthetic Changes in Lateral Lip Profile After Sagittal Split Ramus Osteotomy — Implications for Informed Consent

Abstract Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the changes in the lip region after correction of skeletal mandibular protrusion, select the minimum necessary aesthetic items to explain to patients, and summarise the pertinent points when explaining surgery. Patients and Methods: Eight reference points in the aesthetic facial lateral view were established and the mean values and standard deviation of the changes in 19 measurement items comprising the reference points before and after surgery were calculated and compared with normal values. A multivariate analysis of principal components was carried out for items showing significant changes after surgery to elucidate the characteristics of the aesthetic changes. Results: The results suggest that the items essential for preoperative explanation of significant postoperative changes are correction of the fat lower lip profile, improvement of the antero posterior relationship between the upper and lower lips, and flattening of the upper lip, which presents no aesthetic problems. Conclusion: This study highlights the necessity and extent of the explanation regarding aesthetic changes in the area of the lips after orthognathic surgery.