Contouring of the lower face

ABSTRACT

Abnormalities of the lower face can be related to any or a combination of several anatomical structures. These include excessive skin, excess subcutaneous fat, platysma bands, subplatysmal excess fat, ptosis of submaxillary glands, malpositioned hyoid bone, micro or retrogenia and retrognathia. It is crucial to evaluate each of these anatomical elements individually and decide what, exactly, would most benefit the patient. It is not common for one abnormality to mask another. For example, significant excess fat might cover ptotic submaxillary glands, making the recognition of this problem difficult if not impossible. With careful examination, however, most imperfections can be detected and analyzed appropriately. The subjects of correction of excessive skin, platysmal band, sub - and supraplatysmal fat and ptotic submaxillary gland will be discussed by other authors. This writing will primarily address chin abnormalities and the role of the hyoid bone in dysmorphic necks.