Three-dimensional anthropometric analysis of the Chinese nose

SummaryInformation about normal nasal dimensions is essential to rhinoplasty, but reports of anthropometric measurements of the Chinese nose are limited. Three-dimensional (3D) measuring apparatuses have been introduced into craniofacial anthropometry and have demonstrated advantages over conventional methods. This study aims to introduce a new 3D method for anthropometry and to provide guidance for plastic surgeons treating the Chinese nose. A total of 289 young Chinese adults (146 males and 143 females) were recruited for this study and a 3D stereo photogrammetry system (3DSS –II, Shanghai Digital Manufacturing Corporation, China) was used to acquire their facial image data. Geomagic Studio 10.0 software was used to process the data and to realign the images in a unified co-ordinate system. For each image, the co-ordinate values of 17 landmarks of the nose were collected, and the mean was calculated for males and females separately. Points based on the mean co-ordinate values were used to establish 3D stereo models. Subsequently, nasal parameters—including nine linear measurements, three angular measurements and seven proportions—were obtained by analysing these models. The 3D stereo models representing the Chinese male and female nasal shapes were built and the nasal parameters were acquired. Some differences between male and female nasal shapes were identified. This study describes a new method for 3D anthropometric analysis of the nose; the method would be applicable to anthropometry of other parts of the body as well. The 3D models of Chinese noses built in this study will provide very useful guidance for plastic surgeons in clinical practice.