Regional Variations in Nasal Parameters in South India: A Descriptive Study

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Anthropometry
• Facial Anatomy

Background:

• Ethnic variations in nasal proportions necessitate population-specific anthropometric data.
• Limited research exists on South Indian nasal parameters, impacting reconstructive and aesthetic surgery.
• Understanding regional nasal morphology is key for South Indian rhinoplasty.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate and standardize measurements of 11 nasal parameters in the South Indian population.
• To establish a baseline for nasal anthropometry specific to South Indian ethnicities.
• To provide foundational data for rhinoplasty procedures tailored to South Indians.

Main Methods:

• A sample of 136 young adults (18-30 years) from Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh.
• Standardized photographic techniques were employed for nasal imaging.
• Nasal parameters were quantified using Digimiser software.

Main Results:

• Statistically significant differences were observed in eight of the eleven measured nasal parameters across the four South Indian states.
• Three parameters showed no significant variation among the studied populations.
• The nasal index across all four South Indian ethnicities was classified as platyrrhine.

Conclusions:

• Radix height and nasolabial angle align with general Indian population standards.
• Nasal parameters did not exhibit significant differences between males and females within the studied South Indian groups.
• The study highlights significant regional variations in nasal morphology within South India, informing surgical practices.