Photographic Nasal Soft Tissue Analysis From Preadolescence to Young Adulthood: Anthropometric Measurements

Abstract

The nose has a tremendous effect on facial esthetics and overall facial harmony, accordingly it contributes to the physical appearance of individuals. The aim of this study is to establish sex-related nasal soft tissue norms for preadolescents, adolescents, and young adults in Anatolian population. A total of 300 volunteers (150 males and 150 females) with ages varying from 10 to 24 years were divided into 6 subgroups according to gender and educational status. The anthropometric measurements of the nose in preadolescent, adolescent, and young adult males and females were performed on digital photographs. A total of 16 nasal parameters, 13 linear and 3 angular measurements, were analyzed for sex-related variations. A significant sexual dimorphism was observed for nasofrontal and nasolabial angles in adolescent and young adult groups (P < 0.001, P = 0.011, and P = 0.007, respectively). All linear measurements of the nose were larger in males as compared to females, except for left alar thickness, which were similar between males and females in young adult group. Of the 16 nasal measurements, 13 were found to be sexually dimorphic in certain age groups (P < 0.05). In Anatolian population, the nasal shape and dimensions displayed significant sexual dimorphism in preadolescents, adolescents, and young adults. The average values of nasal soft tissue in this population could serve as a database for the planning of cosmetic and reconstructive rhinoplasty in the pediatric and adult population and obtaining the desired outcomes.