Morphological Changes in Faces Depending on Posture

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Anatomy
• Anthropometry

Background:

• Facial surgeries are typically performed with patients supine.
• Predicting postoperative results in the upright position is essential.
• Posture-related facial soft tissue changes require clarification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate age and sex differences in posture-related facial soft tissue morphology.
• To quantify linear metric changes in standard facial features between upright and supine positions.

Main Methods:

• 100 healthy volunteers (25 young men, 25 young women, 25 old men, 25 old women).
• Marking of 18 facial points and measurement of 18 linear parameters and the nasolabial angle (NLA).
• Measurements taken in both upright and supine positions using digital calipers and angle meters.

Main Results:

• Significant increases in intercanthal width, binocular width, eye fissure length, nasal bridge length, nose width, lower face height, lower lip vermilion height, lower lip height, philtrum width, mouth width, and NLA in the supine position across all groups.
• These increases were more pronounced in older age groups compared to younger groups.
• The increase was greatest in old men, followed by old women.

Conclusions:

• Facial soft tissue dimensions change with posture, age, and sex.
• Surgeons should consider these changes during preoperative planning and intraoperative adjustments.
• Accounting for posture-related facial alterations can enhance patient satisfaction.