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
