A comparison of facial profiles between the general populations of Taiwan and Fiji: A preliminary study

Abstract

Background: Comprehensive facial assessment can be attained by analyzing population facial profiles and comparing racial variations. To date, there are no databases of Taiwanese facial profiles. Furthermore, facial profiles vary widely among different countries and races. Understanding these differences may facilitate facial profile analyses and surgical planning for facial plastic surgeons. Therefore, in this study, we collected the facial profile parameters of Taiwanese and Fijian people and then analyzed the differences between the two populations. Methods: We recruited 94 Taiwanese individuals at Fu Jen University from December 2014 to November 2015. During a volunteer medical mission to Fiji in November 2017, we enrolled 13 Fijians. Right lateral standard facial photographs were taken to analyze facial profile parameters, including nasofrontal angle (NFA), nasolabial angle, nasofacial angle (NfA), nasomental angle (NMA), mentocervical angle (MCA), glabella-subnasale-pogonion angle, glabella-nasal tip-pogonion angle, superior labial angle, inferior labial angle, and pogonial angle. These parameters were compared between both males and females in Taiwan and Fiji. Results: We observed no significant difference in any of the facial profile parameters between males and females in both Taiwan and Fiji. Compared with Fijian individuals, Taiwanese females have a sharper NfA, and Taiwanese males have a more obtuse NFA, NMA, and MCA, as well as a sharper NfA. Conclusion: Fijian females may have a more outstanding nose than Taiwanese females. Meanwhile, Fijian males may feature a more prominent glabella, a more outstanding nose, and a sharper chin compared with Taiwanese males. In conclusion, the Fijian population has more prominent facial convexity than the Taiwanese population.

Keywords

• facial convexity
• taiwanese facial profile
• fijian facial profile