Aim: To evaluate and compare the soft tissue nose and chin thickness in adult patients with various mandibular divergence patterns.

Materials and Methods:

150 lateral cephalogram of adult patients were divided into three groups: Horizontal growth pattern (SN/Go–Gn) = <30 degrees, Average growth pattern (SN/Go–Gn) = 30–34 degrees and Vertical growth pattern (SN/Go–Gn) = >34 degrees. The soft tissue nose thickness was measured from tip of the nose to true vertical line (TVL) and chin thickness was measured at pogonion (Pog), gnathion (Gn), and menton (Me). ANOVA, Student’s t–test and Tukey Post Hoc test were used with p ≤ 0.05.

Results: Patients with vertical growth pattern have thinner soft tissue nose and chin thickness. The soft tissue nose and chin thickness measurements were greater in males than females.

Conclusion: Subjects with vertical growth pattern have an overall thinner soft tissue nose and chin thickness. This differential thickness warrants us that it is possible to plan for rhinoplasty or genioplasty in such patients when more advancement of the nose or chin is required, so as to compensate for the increased vertical height. Also, males have thicker nose and chin compared to females.