Profile analysis in facial plastic surgery.

We devised a simple and reliable method of profile analysis for facial plastic surgery. Profile photographs are taken with the natural head position technique. Key cephalometric landmarks are then identified and digitalized from either photographs or slides, using a digitalizer with a resolution of 0.001 in. The digitalizing pad is connected to a microcomputer. The menu-driven software allows selection of multiple functions from different cephalometric systems. Data can be stored on disk for future analysis. The method is useful in preoperative planning and postoperative evaluation of facial plastic surgery procedures.