Chin position in profile analysis. Comparison of techniques and introduction of the lower facial triangle

Abstract

Many patients undergoing rhinoplasty can benefit from chin augmentation, yielding a more balanced appearance. Preoperative facial analysis identifies patients with retrusive chins and suggests optimal chin position. Current profile analysis methods depend on subnasale position (Legan's angle) or require estimation of bony landmarks from soft-tissue photographs (Goode's alar crease perpendicular, Gonzalez-Ulloa's zero meridian, and Merrifield's Z-angle). We describe a technique for determining ideal chin position using soft-tissue landmarks. We compare this technique with Legan's, Goode's, Gonzalez-Ulloa's, and Merrifield's techniques in 35 women and conclude that this method provides accurate and rapid determination of ideal chin position.