Facial profile: types and assessment in harmonization
The facial profile is the outline of the face seen from the side. It shows the relationship between the forehead, nose, lips and chin, and it is where issues that the frontal view hides show up clearly, such as a recessed chin, projecting lips or a nose that looks large for lack of chin support.
How is the profile classified?
A common way of reading it connects three points: the glabella, the base of the nose and the most projecting point of the chin.
| Profile | General reading |
|---|---|
| Straight | The three points sit close to a line |
| Convex | The midface sits forward and the chin is recessed |
| Concave | The chin sits forward and the midface is recessed |
Reference lines relating the tip of the nose, the chin and the lips are also used. They are assessment tools, and the ideal pattern varies with ethnicity, sex and age.
Why assess the profile before treating?
Because the structures influence one another. A chin with little projection can make the nose look larger and the lips look too full. In such cases, projection of the chin can balance the profile more than volume in the lips. Marked convex or concave profiles, of bony or dental origin, may call for orthodontic or surgical assessment.
The lower third and the mandibular angle complete the reading.
In Harmy
Harmy works with a frontal photo, so the projection shows the effect in the front view. Profile assessment is still done at the consultation and with your lateral clinical photos.
Also known as: profile, side view.
Frequently asked questions
Can the profile be assessed from a frontal photo?
Only in part. The profile is assessed from the side. The frontal photo shows proportion and symmetry, but the projection of the chin and lips is much clearer in the lateral view.