Chin augmentation with custom-made implants for microgenia treatment: a two-year follow-up

Abstract

Objective —  to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of using custom‑made and 3D‑printed mandibular implants in patients with microgenia, and to investigate their quality of life and satisfaction with aesthetic results during a two‑year follow‑up. Materials and methods. 21 patients participated in the study, with 14 (66.7 %) women and 7 (33.3 %) men. The average age of patients was 23.4 ± 2.3 years. All patients had signs of microgenia. In our study, a CT scan of the skull without contrast enhancement served as the primary diagnostic tool. Polyetheretherketonen (PEEK) was the material of choice for the implants. Results. Among the early postoperative complications were alterations to the sensation of the skin overlying the lower lip, which was restored within 1 — 2 months, and bruising, which had a tendency to spread to the neck. None of the patients had impaired motor innervation of the lower lip. Hematoma and wound suppuration were not detected either. One or two years after surgery, none of the patients had any delayed complications, including implant displacement, bone resorption in the lower jaw, decreased motor activity of the facial muscles, or altered sensation affecting the lower lip. Aesthetic results were assessed after the one‑year follow‑up. In a sample of 21 patients, the aesthetic outcome was excellent in 18 (85.7 %) patients and good in 3 (14.3 %) patients. No patients had bad aesthetic outcomes. Conclusions. The absence of delayed complications and the low risk of early complications, which in 71.4 % of patients only present as a temporary alteration to the sensation affecting the lower lip, indicate the safety of the suggested method. In all patients after mentoplasty with custom‑made implants, the physical and mental components of health improved statistically (with all values p < 0.05). Excellent aesthetic outcomes were observed in almost all patients (85.7 %) after mentoplasty with custom‑made implants.