1996 Volume 42 Issue 6 Pages 599-601
Many methods have been developed to evaluate facial asymmetry. To evaluate asymmetry, definition of the symmetrical plane of the face is essential. The planes used in previous studies depended almost entirely on landmarks designated by the operator. In this study, an objective symmetrical plane was defined automatically as a midsagittal plane that was derived by calculating three-dimensional data of the face.
The facial surface was scanned using a rapid noncontact measuring system. The original image and mirror image were matched using the least squares method in an area measuring 70×70mm around the soft tissue nasion. An, objective symmetrical plane was thus calculated.
Facial midsagittal planes defined by this method were acceptable to our subjective impression, and the results showed only little difference among operators or after repeated determination.
