[Age-related changes in the dimensions of the lower face in Bulgarians]

Gonion-gonion and gnathion-stomion parameters of the lower part of the face were examined in 2300 healthy Bulgarians aged 3 days to 102 years with a view to use the data for plastic surgery needs. Immediately after birth the width of the lower part of the face was found to make up in boys 70.50% of that in men aged 20-25 and in girls 74.6% of that in women. The height of the lower part of the face was found less developed in childhood and made up 49.5% in boys and 55.3% in girls as against this parameter in adults. After puberty both the parameters intensively grow, particularly so in boys, when the width of the face may be even larger than in adults. The height of the face is virtually unchanged between the age of 25 and 75, whereas the width of the face is growing as long as up to 50; then both the parameters diminish but do not reach their initial sizes. These results have lead the authors to a conclusion that, despite a well-developed lower part of the face, plastic surgery should involve only soft tissues in patients of any age and not involve the mandibular bones during the pubertal age. The findings may be regarded as reference values.