Malar augmentation by osteotomy and advancement

Abstract

We developed a modification of Tessier's zygoma plasty to increase anterior and lateral projection of the malar eminences in 8 patients with malar hypoplasia. The four steps of our modification are: (1) access solely through an intraoral upper sulcus incision; (2) osteotomy of the inferior orbital rim at a more medial site and of the lateral orbital rim more cephalad; (3) careful preservation of both the zygomaticomaxillary buttress and the zygomatic arch; and (4) use of a cranial bone graft alone, as a wedge, to stabilize the rotated zygoma, without the need for plate or screw fixation. Eight patients have undergone this procedure. Follow-up ranged from 4 to 15 months. There have been no complications. All 8 patients have achieved excellent accentuation of their malar eminences, with maintenance of symmetry. The increase in malar eminence projection has improved overall facial form in these patients. The modified Tessier zygoma plasty offers a stable and predictable technique for improving facial form. It provides a very natural correction for deficient malar projection, without introducing visible scars.