Photogrammetric Analysis of Nasal Dimensions in Indian Malaysian Adults

ABSTRACT: In cosmetic rhinoplasty, knowledge of average nasal dimensions is important to create an aesthetic nose compatible with gender, ethnicity, and other facial feature. This study aimed to establish gender-specific nasal anthropometric data for Indian Malaysians (IMs) and to determine the interracial difference by comparing it with published data of three studies. Evaluation of nasal morphology was done on the standardized frontal, lateral, and basal photographs of 200 male and 200 female IM noses, aged 18-27 years. The measured variables were evaluated by using an independent t-test. Significant sexual dimorphism was found in 20 of 21 measurements, 5 nasal indices and 2 ratios. Significant racial features between IA and Saudi Arabian population were found in all 18 measurements and 5 nasal indexes. Seven of the 8 measurements and including the 2 ratios were significantly different between IM and Whites, but between IM and Chinese, all the 8 measurements and 2 ratios were significantly different. Compared to Saudi Arabian and Whites, IM had wider intercaantal distance, the nose was relatively shorter and wider, less projected radix, and prominent glabella with an increased backward slope of the forehead. Compared to the Chinese, the IM intercaantal distance and nose was narrower and the nasal root was slightly wider in the male group. The IM nasal tip was less projected and underrotated compared to all the 3 groups. In conclusion, the anthropometric analysis of IM noses revealed several unique nasal features, understanding these variations could be useful for the rhinoplasty surgeon to deliver ethnically congruent results.