Vertical Growth of Facial Soft Tissues: A Longitudinal Three-Dimensional Facial Growth Study

Abstract

Objective

This longitudinal cohort study aimed to assess changes in vertical facial landmarks in individuals aged 10 to 18 years and identify sex differences in growth patterns.

Materials and Methods

One hundred and one individuals (males, n = 56; females, n = 45) were observed. Three-dimensional facial surface images were acquired using stereophotogrammetry every 6 months. The linear distances between various facial structures, with a focus on vertical facial features, were measured and plotted over time, along with the confidence intervals, creating growth curves. To illustrate growth rates, the relative changes between consecutive measurement periods (mm/year) for males and females were analysed. Age-related average facial features are presented in radar charts.

Results

At the beginning of the observation period, males exhibited a longer lower face, and the difference in face length increased by 7.6 mm. At age 11, nose lengths were nearly identical between sexes; however, by age 12, a marked divergence in growth emerged, leading to longer noses in males. Between the ages of 10 and 17, the upper lip in males grew at approximately twice the rate observed in females. The first growth peak for the lower face in males corresponded to that of females at age 11.5, later males had two more peaks at ages 14 and 17.5.

Conclusions

The lower, middle, and upper faces exhibited distinct growth patterns. Although sexual dimorphism was evident before age 10, it became more pronounced and increased during the observation period.