Abstract
Facial surgeries are usually performed with the patient in the supine position; however,
it is crucial to predict postoperative results in the upright position. This study
aimed to clarify the posture-related morphological changes in the facial soft tissue
regarding age and sex, using physical measurements to obtain results in specific linear
metric measurements of standard facial features. One hundred healthy volunteers were
divided into four groups based on age and sex (25 young men, 25 young women, 25 old
men, 25 old women). For all participants, 18 measuring points were marked on the skin
along with 18 paired linear measurements, and the angle was measured using a digital
sliding caliper and angle meter in both upright and supine positions. In all four
groups, the intercanthal width (en-en), binocular width (ex-ex), length of the eye
fissure (en-ex), length of the nasal bridge (n-prn), width of the nose (al-al), height
of the lower face (sn-gn), vermilion height of the lower lip (sto-li), height of the
lower lip (sto-sl), width of the philtrum (cphi-cphi), width of the mouth (ch-ch),
and nasolabial angle (NLA) were significantly larger in the supine position than in
the upright position. The increase was larger in the older age groups than in the
younger age groups. Moreover, the increase was larger in old men than in old women.
During facial surgery involving these areas, surgeons should consider the patient's
age and sex and understand what facial figuration change would occur depending on
posture and change their preoperative design or make minor adjustments during operation
in the supine position to increase patient satisfaction.
Keywords
facial surgery - morphological change - supine position - upright position
