Midlineface

Midlineface is a term used in craniofacial anatomy and surgery to refer to the anatomical structures located along the sagittal plane of the face. This plane divides the face into symmetrical left and right halves. Structures considered part of the midlineface include the nose, philtrum (the vertical groove between the base of the nose and the upper lip), the lips, the chin, and the midline of the palate and alveolar ridge. Conditions affecting the midlineface often involve congenital abnormalities such as cleft lip and palate, which occur when tissues forming the upper lip and/or palate do not fuse completely during fetal development. Other conditions may include midline cysts or tumors. Surgical correction of midline facial deformities is a significant area of craniofacial surgery, aiming to restore both form and function. The precise anatomical landmarks of the midlineface are crucial for diagnosis, treatment planning, and evaluating surgical outcomes in various reconstructive procedures. Understanding the development and anatomy of the midlineface is essential for specialists in plastic surgery, oral and maxillofacial surgery, and orthodontics.