STUDY OF NASAL INDEX - A Review

Anatomy

Aim: To review the various studies and researches performed on the nasal index using nasal parameters such as nasal height and nasal width . Objective of review: To determine if there is any clinical relevance of the shape and size of the nose in relation to physiology, pathology and surgery. Type of review: Systematic review. Background: Nasal index is an ethnic sensitive anthropometric index which is used to classify race and sex of an individual. The different shapes of the nose are mainly determined through the environmental factors and climatic conditions. The variations of skin and soft tissue covering the dorsum of the nose affect the final nasal contour and profile after nasal augmentation. With the substantial increase in the number of cosmetic surgeries performed, it has become a great responsibility for surgeon to maintain core ethnic features. Result : Nasal proportions do vary between ethnic groups but the size and shape of the nose does not define Caucasian, Asian and African races respectively. Anthropologists agree that the nasal variations are due to man’s adaptation to the environment. However, this theory remains to be proven. Published data on nasal physiology have not shown significant differences between the ethnic groups despite obvious differences in nasal proportions. The only area in which the size and shape of the nose is of relevance is in aesthetic and reconstruction surgery. Conclusion: Anthropometric data of the face and nose obtained would be useful for sex determination, forensics medicine, identifying nasofacial dysmorphology, and reconstructive facial and nasal surgeries.

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