Aesthetic analysis of the face in modern plastic surgery

Objective. To evaluate and systematize objective criteria for aesthetic analysis of the face for optimal preoperative planning and significant assessment of postoperative results. Material and methods. We ranked and analyzed eligible national and foreign studies in the Scopus, Medline (PubMed) and eLibrary databases. This study included objective methods for analysis of aesthetic parameters of the face, in particular, frontal area and eyebrows, based on ancient Greek canons and modern methods of anthropometry and cephalometry. Definitions for key aesthetic elements of the face are presented. Results. In overall analysis of the face, we determined the absolute and relative indicators of height and width of the face, its division into upper, middle and lower thirds. These data present ideas about parameters of the face, its proportions, harmony and symmetry. The authors present the main aesthetic elements of the forehead and methods of their measurement. Assessment of eyebrow position and their spatial relationship with facial skull are described. Their horizontal, vertical and angular parameters are determined. Objective eyebrow measurement methods are typed and supplemented. Conclusion. Aesthetic analysis of the face should be objective and exclude subjective opinion of researcher, his visual experience and personal preferences. Innovative technologies make it possible to analyze different aesthetic parameters with minimal impact on the patient and minimal interaction with him. A single protocol for objective assessment of aesthetic parameters of the face will be valuable for accurate planning and subsequent evaluation of postoperative results, as it is based on objective and unified measurements.