Photometric Facial Analysis of the Igbo Nigerian Adult Male

ABSTRACT

Background: A carefully performed facial analysis can serve as a strong foundation for successful facial reconstructive and plastic surgeries; rhinoplasty or orthodontics. Aim: The purpose of this study is to determine the facial features and qualities of the Igbo Nigerian adult male using photometry. Materials and Methods: One hundred and twenty subjects aged between 18 and 28 years were studied at the Anambra State University; Uli; Nigeria. The frontal and right lateral view photographs of their faces were taken and traced out on tracing papers. On these; two vertical distances; nasion to subnasal and subnasale to menton; and four angles; nasofrontal (NF); nasofacial; nasomental (NM) and mentocervical; were measured. Results: The result showed that the Igbo Nigerian adult male had a middle face that was shorter than the lower one (41.76vs.58.24); a moderate glabella (NF=133.97o); a projected nose (NM=38.68o) and a less prominent chin (NM=125.87o). Conclusion: This study is very important in medical practice as it can be used to compare the pre- and post-operative results of plastic surgery and other related surgeries of the face