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A college student visited me accompanied by his father, primarily because he felt his face lacked symmetry. Despite undergoing two rounds of orthodontic treatment that aligned his teeth perfectly, he remained dissatisfied with his facial shape. His goal was to have jaw surgery before graduating and entering the workforce, with the sole aim of gaining more confidence.
Patients with asymmetrical faces often express a simple desire: "Doctor, I don't have other needs; I just want to look right." This request, though straightforward, demands thorough preoperative assessments and planning. Facial bones form a complex three-dimensional structure involving various elements like the orbital bone, zygoma, maxilla, and mandible. Historically, designs relied solely on X-rays, which sometimes overlooked critical areas.
Modern approaches utilize 3D computed tomography for surgical simulations, enabling precise predictions of bone movements. In this student's case, the simulation revealed that his chin still needed adjustment for optimal symmetry, leading to the inclusion of chin surgery in the plan.
By simulating the procedure beforehand, we can anticipate bone shifts and fulfill the patient's wish for a more balanced appearance.