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Growth patterns of the nasolabial region: a morphometric study
L G Farkas1, J C Posnick, T M Hreczko
1Division of Plastic Surgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Summary
Facial growth in children shows the nose and upper lip develop significantly between ages 1-5. Understanding these nasolabial growth patterns aids reconstructive surgery planning.
Area of Science:
- Craniofacial morphology
- Pediatric growth and development
- Plastic and reconstructive surgery
Background:
- The nasolabial region undergoes significant age-related changes during childhood and adolescence.
- Understanding these developmental patterns is crucial for surgical interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze age-related growth variations in the nasolabial region from 1 to 18 years.
- To provide data for optimizing reconstructive surgery timing and outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of 1,593 North American Caucasian individuals.
- Six key measurements of the nasolabial region were taken between ages 1 and 18.
Main Results:
- Upper lip length and nose width were ~80% developed by age 1.
- Most nasolabial structures approached maturation by age 5, with significant nasal growth (5-18 years) exceeding upper lip growth.
- Adult size for lip height was reached by 3 (females) and 6 (males) years; nose width/height by 12 (females) and 14-15 (males).
Conclusions:
- Rapid nasolabial growth occurs between ages 1-4 years.
- Knowledge of these specific growth trajectories aids in planning reconstructive surgeries.
- Anticipating post-operative changes based on developmental stage is facilitated by this data.