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Stereophotogrammetric measurement of the nasolabial fold in repose: a study of age and posture-related changes

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Abstract

The nasolabial fold is a significant facial landmark. Its size, shape, and symmetry are important in facial reanimation surgery, while effacement is an important goal in rejuvenation surgery. However, quantitative data for the nasolabial fold volume (NLFV) and depth is still unavailable. We present a new method of measurement using 3D color speckle stereophotogrammetry and its application in the assessment of NLFV. The VECTRA-3D system was validated to determine its minimum resolution and accuracy. Normal volunteers aged 13–84 years (n = 87) were imaged in repose. Mother–daughter pairs (n = 15, aged 13–61) were imaged in the upright and supine positions. All data were processed using custom software and analyzed by linear regression and nonparametric tests as appropriate. NLFV varied from 0.0026 to 0.2306 ml. There was significant correlation between NLFV and age (r = 0.7269, p < 0.0001). Men had significantly higher NLFV than women across all ages. There was no significant difference between the left and right NLFV. NLFV altered significantly from upright to supine in all subjects (p = 0.0012). However, the mothers increased their NLFV by 32% from supine to upright postures, which was a greater change than observed in their daughters. We have demonstrated a rapid, objective, and non-invasive assessment tool for facial reanimation and rejuvenation surgery. We have quantified the effects of age and posture on NLFV, and the efficacy and longevity of rejuvenation procedures are currently under investigation.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the following people: Dr. Paul Otto of Canfield Scientific Inc. for technical information on the VECTRA-3D; Surface Imaging International Limited for donating the VECTRA-3D system used in this research; and all the volunteers who participated in this study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Surgery, Oncology, Reproductive and Anaesthetics, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK

    Marlene S. See

  2. St. Thomas Hospital, London, UK

    M. R. Foxton

  3. Surface Imaging International Limited, London, UK

    N. A. Miedzianowski-Sinclair

  4. Department of Plastic Surgery, Queen Victoria Hospital, West Sussex, UK

    C. E. Roberts & C. Nduka

  5. 12, Brisbane Avenue, London, SW19 3AG, UK

    Marlene S. See

Authors
  1. Marlene S. See
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  2. M. R. Foxton
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  3. N. A. Miedzianowski-Sinclair
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  4. C. E. Roberts
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  5. C. Nduka
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Correspondence to Marlene S. See.

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See, M.S., Foxton, M.R., Miedzianowski-Sinclair, N.A. et al. Stereophotogrammetric measurement of the nasolabial fold in repose: a study of age and posture-related changes. Eur J Plast Surg 29, 387–393 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00238-007-0123-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00238-007-0123-0

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