Computer analysis of the African-American face

An anthropometric study was devised to examine the facial proportions of the African-American. Two hundred African-American subjects between the ages of 18 and 30 years were studied. Objective data were gathered, and standard proportions of the African-American face were obtained. Previous anthropometric studies were performed using direct measurements of facial proportions. Farkas used direct measurements of young adult North American Caucasians and compared them with those of the neoclassical canons. Xeutong evaluated facial proportions of young adults of the Han nationality by direct measurement. The data derived from these studies are compared with our results. Measurements were obtained by standard photographic technique and scanned onto computer diskette. Computer analysis of the objective data was acquired. Thirteen measurements assessing the facial dimensions were used. We observed similar vertical proportions in the African-American face and the Caucasian face. Horizontal dimensions varied significantly between racial groups. Our conclusions will assist the aesthetic surgeon caring for the African-American patient.