How are changes in the “Nasolabial Angle” (Nose-Lip Angle) after orthognathic surgery managed in aesthetic planning?

The nasolabial angle is the angle between the base of the nose and the upper lip line, and it forms the center of facial aesthetics, especially in maxillary reshaping surgeries. In Le Fort I surgeries, where the upper jaw is moved forward, this angle tends to narrow, and while the upper lip becomes fuller, the tip of the nose also lifts slightly upwards; in cases where the upper jaw is pulled back, the angle widens, and the upper lip loses support, appearing thinner. To prevent the patient from developing an undesirable “bird profile” or “sunken face” appearance after surgery, surgeons adjust the height of the bone cutting line and, during the suturing of the upper lip muscles, use a special suture technique called “V-Y plasty” to prevent the lip from turning inward and to try to keep the nasolabial angle stable between the ideal 90-110 degrees.