Anthropometric measurement and analysis of the lower face in Turkish rhinoplasty patients

Abstract

Background Lower face dimensions have a great impact on the perception of nasal beauty. For this reason, evaluation of the lower face is important in patients applied for rhinoplasty. In this study, we aimed to describe the values of lower face anthropometric measurements in Turkish patients who applied for rhinoplasty and to compare these values with measurements of individuals who are pleased with their nasal appearance. Methods A Turkish population of 252 rhinoplasty-negative individuals and 171 rhinoplasty patients were included in this study as the control and rhinoplasty groups. Using the preoperative photographs of the facial profile, seven vertical measurements were taken and seven indices were used to determine the relationships between measurements of the lower face. Results In the rhinoplasty group, most vertical profile measurements were greater in males. The only variables with no gender differences were lower and upper vermilion heights. Only variables with a significant difference between two groups were upper lip vermilion height in females and upper lip height in males. Conclusions This study provides objective reference material for the evaluation of the lower face when planning for rhinoplasty. Besides, the differences found between two groups emphasize the importance of the nasolabial region when planning for rhinoplasty.