How does maxillary segmentation (dividing the upper jaw into segments) affect the surgical risk in double chin surgeries?

Maxillary segmentation is a procedure in which the upper jawbone (during Le Fort I osteotomy) is cut not as a single block, but in two, three, or sometimes four pieces, which are then independently widened, narrowed, or leveled. This technique is preferred, especially in patients with severe maxillary narrowing or deep arch level differences (Curve of Spee deviations), when simply moving the jaw back and forth is insufficient. This procedure significantly increases the technical precision and experience required of the surgeon, necessitating the preservation of the palatal mucosa that provides blood supply to the bone fragments. While the success rate is very high when performed by skilled hands, it can prolong the operation time compared to single-piece jaw surgeries and requires more meticulous monitoring of factors such as temporary blood supply risks and delayed intersegmental fusion.