The Use of Adobe Photoshop Software for the Development of Individualized Soft Tissue Facial Analysis with Special Emphasis on Soft Tissue Nose for Planning Rhinoplasty Procedures

Abstract

Introduction: Diversity in facial soft tissue parameters and ever increasing demand for esthetic/cosmetic facial augmentations, has paved a need to have precise baseline data so as to what constitutes a 'pleasing face'. With the ever increasing integrations of technology into diagnosis and treatment, we are currently in a position to have a detailed and precise evaluation for the same. Here, we have used Adobe Photoshop (CS 3) software for the development of individualized soft tissue facial analysis with special emphasis on parameters related to nose useful in planning for rhinoplasty procedures. A landmark based geometric morphometric technique is proposed to analyze the nasal shapes in a young adult population. Materials and methods: 50 males and 50 females within the age group of 18 to 22 years belonging to Northern Karnataka, Indian subcontinent were chosen to participate in this photographic study and Adobe Photoshop (CS 3) software was used for the soft tissue facial analysis. Results: Statistically significant differences were noted for most of the parameters in the horizontal and vertical plane in the frontal, profile and base view. Linear and angular measurements demonstrating sexual dimorphism have also been evaluated. Conclusion: The esthetic ideals have been proposed to serve as a template to guide preoperative discussions and cosmetic treatment planning especially in relation to rhinoplasty procedures.