Evaluation of the relationship between malar projection and lower facial convexity in terms of perceived attractiveness in 3-dimensional reconstructed images

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to investigate dental student's perception of facial attractiveness with regard to different combinations of anteroposterior malar-jaw positions using 3-dimensional (3-D) reconstructed images of subjects. Methods: Two Chinese young adults (1 male and 1 female) with straight profiles and average malar projections were selected for the study. 3-D facial images and cone-beam computed tomography images of these two subjects were superimposed using 3-D imaging software. Lateral and oblique views of nine different images were created by moving the maxillomandibular complex and/or zygomatic bone by 4 mm either forward or backward along the sagittal plane. One hundred three undergraduate dental students (n = 24, 33, and 46 students from the Year 3, 4, and 5, respectively) then scored lateral and 45°oblique view images of the newly reconstructed faces. Results: In the present study, images with a neutral malar and retruded jaws were found to be the most attractive in both male and female subjects. In addition, the Protruded malar (PM) group (p < 0.001), and the Retruded Jaws (RJ) group were rated more attractive (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the Relatively Prominent malar (RP) group was rated more attractive (p < 0.001) when malar-jaw relative positions were compared. Conclusion: This study shows that a neutral or a protruded malar favours facial attractiveness in both Chinese male and female subjects. Therefore, an appropriate relationship between malar projection and lower facial convexity should be taken into consideration while designing the orthodontic/orthognathic treatment plans for enhanced aesthetic outcomes.

Reduction malarplasty using a simulated surgical guide for asymmetric/prominent zygoma

“…Guides can be used for bone removal and/or osteotomy of the jaw, in conjunction with the positioning of jaws and measuring the jaw movement range. Moreover, the introduction of various computer-assisted surgical techniques, such as navigational or robotic surgery, hold promise for further advances in malarplasty [ 2 , 19 , 20 ].…”

“…Recent advances in computer-assisted surgery allow three-dimensional (3D) orthognathic analysis, surgical simulation, and 3D printing of surgical guides using computed tomography (CT) images during the treatment of deformity or facial asymmetry [ 1 ]. For malarplasty, preoperative planning based on appropriate diagnosis and surgical simulation is crucial to obtain esthetically and functionally satisfactory results [ 1 , 2 ]. Computer-assisted surgical simulation and the production of surgical guides by computer-assisted design (CAD)/ computer-assisted manufacturing (CAM)-engineered 3D printing clearly facilitate accurate osteotomy and/or reduction of zygomatic bone.…”