Modern Facial Profileplasty

Stephen W. Perkins, MD

It is with pleasure that I have the honor and opportunity to gather eight authors to create a comprehensive issue for Facial Plastic Surgery on the topic of “Modern Profileplasty.”

Aesthetic profileplasty has traditionally been limited to considering affecting the profile of the nose and chin. Modern profileplasty is significantly more complex and involves the entire profile from the forehead to the neck. Altering or aesthetically improving the profile also includes the forehead and brow, as well as the structural and soft tissues of the jawline and neck. The forehead and brow contour and projection are very important aesthetic considerations of a beautiful profile. The chin and mandible play a “critical” part in what is considered an aesthetically pleasing profile, which is either more youthful in appearance or viewed as an aging face. The finishing complements of the “ideal” profile must and do include the soft tissues of the neck and the anatomical cervicomental angle. This hereditary profile contributes significantly to a pleasing aesthetic and more youthful appearance.

The eight authors who have contributed to this journal issue deal with a wide variety of anatomical considerations and the available techniques to alter the profile of the entire face while recognizing the nasal profile as the leading prominence. Some of the authors have developed new and innovative ways to achieve the desired aesthetic goals of their patients. Each author brings a unique view and expertise to maximize the educational benefits those who desire to learn more about “modern profileplasty.”