Unilateral mandibular hypoplasia in adult patients: distraction osteogenesis and conventional osteotomies in a standardized sequence.

Introduction: This study analyzed the outcomes of nongrowing patients with unilateral mandibular hypoplasia treated according to a specific protocol, which combines distraction osteogenesis, orthodontic treatment, and conventional osteotomies.
Materials and Methods: The patients treated were objectively evaluated. Patient's satisfaction was assessed by questionnaire. Surgical changes were analyzed using cephalometry and three-dimensional facial surface data before surgery (T0) and at long-term (T1) follow-up.
Results: Four patients were included in this study. The normalization of facial proportion and a high increase in symmetry were evident. Residual defects were documented in the postoperative symmetry of the chin. In the questionnaire, all patients gave favorable responses to their facial changes; for most of the objective parameters, all patients improved.
Conclusions: A multistage treatment protocol for the correction of facial deformities in patients with unilateral mandibular hypoplasia is a valid procedure for skeletal and occlusal stability. An evident improvement of the facial appearance is also achieved.