Comparison of facial measurements among three Malaysian ethnic groups

Objectives: This study was done to establish the quantitative norms and proportion indices of the face for the three major ethnic groups in Malaysia, namely the Malay, Chinese and Indians. Methods: The study group consisted of convenient samples with a total of 100 participants in each group and an equal number of female and male subjects. The age ranged from 18 to 25 years. The participants were generally healthy and exhibited no craniofacial abnormalities and had no history of plastic or reconstructive surgery. Subjects of mixed parentage were excluded from this study. Standard anthropometry instruments and methods were employed. Results: The facial index (facial length/breadth x100) was between 83 and 86 in all the three groups, indicating a mesoprosop-type face. Classically this is categorised as a short and broad face. The mean upper face index was between 53 and 55 in the whole sample indicating a mesen or medial type upper face. The Malay generally had the widest upper face. The lower face to face height index also indicated a more balanced relationship between the two measurements and was seen in all three races. Conclusion: The Malays and Chinese have more similar facial features than the Indians.