Midface Skeletal Sexual Dimorphism: Lessons Learned from Advanced Three-dimensional Imaging in the White Population.

Background

Facial shape is significantly influenced by the underlying facial bony skeleton. Sexual dimorphisms in these structures are crucial for craniofacial, aesthetic, and gender-affirming surgery. Previous studies have examined the orbits and upper face, but less is known about the midface. This study aimed to elucidate the sexual dimorphism in the midface region, focusing on the maxilla and zygomatic bones.

Methods

A retrospective review was conducted using facial computed tomography scans from 101 White patients aged 20-79 years, using Materialise Mimics and 3-Matics for segmentation and 3D reconstruction. Measurements and statistical shape modeling of the midfacial skeleton were performed.

Results

Our results show a distinct sexual dimorphism in the midfacial skeletal structure across all age groups. Women typically had a narrower bizygomatic width by 1.5 mm (

Conclusions

Our analysis of midfacial skeletal anatomy revealed sexual dimorphism differences. Men exhibited more pronounced facial features than women, with a broader horizontal midfacial skeleton, a longer midfacial vertical height, and greater maxillary depths compared with women.

Informations de copyright

Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. on behalf of The American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Déclaration de conflit d'intérêts

The authors have no financial interest to declare in relation to the content of this article. Disclosure statements are at the end of this article, following the correspondence information.