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Facial Plast Surg 2024; 40(03): 348-362
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1770765
Original Research

Facial Anthropometric Measurements and Principles – Overview and Implications for Aesthetic Treatments

Xavier Armengou
1   Avoca Clinic - Private Practice, Wicklow, Ireland
,
Konstantin Frank
2   Centre for Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, Ocean Clinic Marbella, Marbella, Spain
,
Kai Kaye
2   Centre for Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, Ocean Clinic Marbella, Marbella, Spain
,
Vanessa Brébant
3   Department of Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Bayern, Germany
,
Nicholas Möllhoff
4   Division of Hand, Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, University Hospital Munich, Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Germany
,
Sebastian Cotofana
5   Department of Dermatology, Erasmus Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
6   Centre for Cutaneous Research, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
,
Michael Alfertshofer 
4   Division of Hand, Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, University Hospital Munich, Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Germany
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Abstract

Facial anatomy is highly individual in each patient. Anthropometric measurements can be a useful tool to objectively analyze individual facial anatomy to allow for better comparability before and after treatments to ultimately improve standardization of facial procedures, both nonsurgical and surgical. The aim of this study was to provide a comprehensive overview over clinically relevant and feasible facial anthropometric measurements and principles for aesthetic medicine. A literature review was conducted to describe the most important and clinically relevant anthropometric measurements and principles for both the entire face and for three aesthetically relevant facial regions: the periorbital region, the nose, and the perioral region. A multitude of different anthropometric measurements and principles have been described in the literature for both the overall facial appearance and specific facial regions. Certain generally accepted anthropometric principles and proportions need to be respected to achieve aesthetic and harmonious results. For the overall facial appearance, a focus on symmetry, certain proportions, facial angles, and indices has been described. Principles and measurements were also described for the periorbital region, the nose, and the perioral region. Although attractiveness and aesthetic perception are subjective, objective evaluation of facial surface anatomy via anthropometric measurements can improve pre- and postinterventional analysis of the face and help the treating physician to individualize treatments, both nonsurgical and surgical.

Keywords

facial anthropometry - anthropometric measurements - aesthetic procedures - facial anatomy - facial landmarks


Publication History

Article published online:
24 July 2023

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