Philtral Columns and Nostril Shapes in Nigerian Children: A Morphometric and Aesthetic Analysis

Abstract

Background. The upper lip-nose complex contributes significantly to the concept of symmetry and proportion of the face. A study of the morphology and aesthetic preferences of the lip-nose complex will provide a database that will serve as a guide for reconstruction. Subjects and Methods. Hundred Nigerian children participated in this study. Demographic data and standard photographs of the philtral column and nostrils were obtained. Sixty volunteers were recruited to evaluate the photographs. Each volunteer was asked to rank the photographs based on their aesthetic preference. Results. The morphology of the philtral columns was classified into four groups: (1) triangular, (2) concave, (3) flat, and (4) parallel. The nostril shape was also classified into four groups: (1) triangular, (2) round, (3) teardrop, and (4) rectangular. In both genders, the triangular shape of philtral column was the most common. There are significant age differences in the aesthetic rankings of philtral columns and nostril shapes. Conclusion. Our study establishes the basal values for the morphometric and aesthetic parameters of the lip-nose complex of 5- and 6-year-old children in Nigeria. We hope our results and reconstructive surgery will intersect at a point to treat disfigurements of the philtrum and nostrils successfully.

Usefulness of automated image analysis for recognition of the fragile X syndrome gestalt in Congolese subjects

“…The broad forehead appears, therefore, to be a universal dysmorphic feature in subjects with FXS because the upper region of the face is less likely to be affected by ethnicity than periorbital, nasal and peri buccal regions that have been told to vary signi cantly among subjects according to their race. [15][16][17][18][19][20][21] . As it has been shown thus far, there are certain features that are restricted or more prominent in patients according to their ethnic background.…”

The Proportional Relationship Among the Aesthetic Units of the Upper Lip: A 3-Dimensional Morphological Analysis of Young Adults

“…The subjects were classified into 4 groups according to the shape of philtral columns described by previous literature 11,12 Parallel type: the philtral columns originate from the nostril sills and exhibit an almost parallel direction. Triangular type: the origins of the philtral column are located near the subnasale. Concave type: the upper part of bilateral philtral columns adjoin at the midline, without a philtral dimple in the upper half of the upper lip. Flat type: There are neither prominent philtral columns nor concave dimples in the upper lip. …”

“…The subjects were classified into 4 groups according to the shape of philtral columns described by previous literature. 11,12 In this study, we introduced an easy method to analyze the depth of the philtrum. Standardized coordination of the patient's face was completed in X, Y, and Z dimensions.…”

Photogrammetric Analysis of Orolabial Region in South Indians

“…The two examiners had the same knowledge and were trained in anthropometric analysis. Based on the study done by Abdulrasheed and Eneye 14 and Mori et al, 15 the prevalence of different types of philtral columns were calculated as percentages of the subject population. An independent t-test was done to test the sexual dimorphism.…”