Perceptions of Pre- to Postsurgical Profile Changes in Orthognathic Surgery Patients and Their Correlation with Photogrammetric Changes: A Panel Study

Purpose The objective was to compare the pre- and postsurgical profile changes after surgical correction of prognathism and maxillary hypoplasia, as perceived by panels of orthodontists, maxillofacial surgeons, laypersons and patients and to identify photogrammetric changes that might be related to preferred ratings. Materials and methods Each panel consisted of six males and six females who rated sets of pre- and postsurgical lateral photographs of 20 female and 20 male patients using a five-point scale. Patients rated their own set of photographs. Pre- to postsurgical differences of photogrammetrically assessed landmarks were recorded as a surgical change. Results No significant differences in ratings between panels and patients could be detected. Significant correlation coefficients ( r ) were obtained between the ratings of all panel groups and between the ratings and changes in facial convexity ( r = 0.351–0.542). Correlations with changes of the mentolabial angle were found to be significant for old orthodontists, male laypersons, and male patients ( r = 0.332–0.609). Ratings of female and young laypersons were correlated with the horizontal changes in the lower face ( r = 0.324–0.379). Conclusion Information gathered from this study will support the cooperation of the medical staff and might assist in treatment planning.