Analysis of the Columellar-Labial Angle in Perioral Aging

Abstract

Background The young face presents a more convex and rounded aspect, while through the years, a more concave and flattened aspect happens to be exteriorized. In this context of aging, the angles of the face are undergoing changes through soft tissue repositioning and bone remodeling. The columellar-labial angle is one of those changes, so that is why we are studying it further Objectives The objective of the present study is to analyze the columellar labial angle during the stages of adult life and its contribution to the face´s modification in the ageing process. Methods To this study, we analyzed a database (December 2017 to March 2018) of 722 female patients, aged 21-88 years, for the anthropometric measurement of the columellar labial angle, through the program Vectra 3D (Canfield) photo analysis program. Our database originates from the private clinic where all patients have registration and photography. Results Through the analysis of the patients, we obtained as a result a decrease in the value of the columellar labial angle, mainly observed from the patients 60 years upwards. The decrease of this angle can be explained, for example, by the absorption of body structures that occurs during ageing. Conclusions We concluded that the columellar labial angle decreases with age, a fact that may give a better understanding of the transformation of the course of ageing. This understanding allows us to have a clearer view of the changes that occur in the face, improving the treatments for facial rejuvenation, either conservative or surgical, and provide a basis for future studies and knowledge expansion.