ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the change of zygomatic and temporal soft tissue after coronal incision.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A retrospective analysis was performed in 33 patients who received firm fixation for unilateral zygomatic comminuted fracture through semi-coronal incision. All the patients were followed up for more than one year. Craniofacial anthropometric measurement through 3D-CT reconstruction and facial profile was performed. The difference between the operated side and healthy side was analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>At the temporal concave point, the soft tissue thickness at healthy side was (1.60 +/- 0. 97) mm more than that at operated side, showing a significant difference between them (P < 0.01). While the soft tissue thickness was not statistically different between two sides at zygion, malar prominence, zygomaxillare, and temporal convex point (P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The soft tissue atrophy may happen at temporal fat pad after semi-coronal incision, but not at zygomatic area. Intraoperative precise dissection and less stretch of soft tissue may be helpful to avoid the postoperative facial asymmetry.</p>
