Profile Balance & Projection Matrix SOP

Evidence note: Projection rules (E‑Line, S‑Line, fifths/thirds) derive from orthodontic/cephalometric literature. They guide proportional planning but must be adapted to sex, age, and ethnicity; over‑application can distort identity. Governance sources below anchor documentation and consent requirements in Australia.

1. Purpose

Establish a structured framework for analysing and correcting facial profile balance via dermal filler planning, using proportional and projection‑based models to harmonise forehead, nose, lips and chin while remaining compliant with Australian governance (AHPRA, TGA, RACGP, ACSQHC). ¹ ² ⁴ ⁵

2. Scope

Applies to Newcastle Cosmetic Doctor clinicians performing dermal filler treatments. Covers sagittal (profile) and vertical analysis for male/female patients, with ethnic adaptation and airway/skeletal considerations.

3. Principles of Profile Analysis

Facial harmony depends on relationships of forehead, nasal tip, lips and chin relative to the facial vertical axis. Common tools: Rickett’s E‑Line, Steiner’s S‑Line, facial fifths/thirds. Use as guides, not absolutes. ⁷ ⁸

4. Projection Matrix Framework

Glabella→Pogonion axis (vertical reference) defines midline alignment.
Rickett’s E‑Line (tip→pogonion): classic targets — upper lip ~3—4 mm behind; lower lip ~1—2 mm behind (adjust for sex/ethnicity/skull base position). ⁷
Steiner’s S‑Line (soft‑tissue pogonion→mid‑columella): lips should gently touch the line (not necessarily behind it). ⁸
Facial fifths & thirds: horizontal segmentation informs proportional distribution of projection and contour blending across upper/mid/lower face. ³

5. Male vs Female Projection Matrices

Male: stronger chin/jaw projection, flatter midface, minimal upper‑lip protrusion; maintain square gonial angle and nasolabial angle ~90—100°. ³

Female: softer dorsum, fuller lips, narrower mandibular width; nasolabial angle ~100—110°; lip‑to‑chin projection closer to the golden ratio range when aesthetically appropriate. ³

Ethnic adaptation is essential; projection targets vary with skeletal morphology and cultural norms. ⁶

6. Planning & Technique

Assess symmetry and projection at rest, teeth in light occlusion, neutral expression before filler.
Correct structural deficits first (retruded chin, flat midface) before superficial contouring.
Use high‑G′ fillers for structural projection (chin, jawline, temples) and lower‑G′ for blending.
Respect sexual dimorphism — avoid unintended feminisation in males; avoid over‑projecting lips vs chin. ⁴ ⁵

7. Regulatory Compliance (Australia 2025)

Comply with AHPRA non‑surgical cosmetic procedure guidelines (scope, consent, advertising). ¹
Adverse events/devices: follow TGA obligations (MDIR). ²
Documentation: follow ACSQHC standards; include measurements, photographs, filler type/batch/lot, planes and volumes. ⁵
Align clinical protocols with RACGP practice governance where relevant (primary care context). ⁴

Appendix — Quick Reference Projection Matrix

Reference	Target/Guide	Clinical Use	Notes
Rickett’s E‑Line	UL: −3–4 mm; LL: −1–2 mm	Lip–chin–nose harmony	Shift for ethnicity/sex; don’t over‑retroposition lips
Steiner’s S‑Line	Lips gently touch	Check lip protrusion vs chin	Useful when chin is retruded
Facial fifths/thirds	Even vertical/horizontal segments	Distribute projection by thirds	Blend transitions; avoid single‑point overfill

Sources

AHPRA (2025). Guidelines for registered health practitioners who perform non‑surgical cosmetic procedures (in force 2 Sep 2025)., viewed 05 November 2025, https://www.ahpra.gov.au/Resources/Cosmetic-surgery-hub/Cosmetic-procedure-guidelines.aspx ↩
TGA (2025). Medical Device adverse event reporting (MDIR) & obligations., viewed 05 November 2025, https://www.tga.gov.au/safety-and-shortages/adverse-events/medical-device-adverse-events/obligations-report-adverse-event-medical-devices ↩
The Manse Clinic (2024), Facial proportion and projection techniques, viewed 05 November 2025, https://themanseclinic.com.au/faqs-face-reshaping-treatments/ ↩
RACGP (2024) Infection prevention & control guidelines (primary care)., viewed 05 November 2025, https://www.racgp.org.au/running-a-practice/practice-standards/racgp-infection-prevention-and-control-guidelines ↩
ACSQHC (2024). National Standards — documentation and clinical governance requirements., viewed 05 November 2025, https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/standards ↩
ISAPS (2024). Professional resources and global standards (aesthetic analysis)., viewed 05 November 2025, https://www.isaps.org ↩
Orthodontic cephalometrics — Ricketts E‑Line (background reading)., viewed 05 November 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cephalometric_analysis ↩
Orthodontic cephalometrics — Steiner analysis (background reading)., viewed 05 November 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steiner_analysis ↩

Disclaimer for Newcastle Cosmetic Doctor Policies & Procedures

The policies and procedures contained within this document are the exclusive property of Newcastle Cosmetic Doctor and are provided for internal clinical governance and educational purposes only. These materials represent the internal operational framework, safety standards, and evidence-based protocols developed and implemented by Dr. Bart John Scanlon and the Newcastle Cosmetic Doctor team. They are designed specifically for use within Newcastle Cosmetic Doctor and reflect our clinic’s own professional standards, risk assessments, and compliance obligations under Australian law and regulatory authorities. External individuals, practitioners, or organisations must not copy, reproduce, distribute, or rely upon these materials, in whole or in part, for their own clinical, commercial, or educational use without prior written consent from Newcastle Cosmetic Doctor. These materials do not constitute medical, legal, or professional advice and are not intended to be adopted as official protocols or procedures by any other entity. Any external use or adaptation must be independently reviewed and modified to meet the relevant laws, guidelines, and standards applicable to the user’s own jurisdiction, scope of practice, and facility operations. Newcastle Cosmetic Doctor and Dr. Bart Scanlon accept no liability for any loss, injury, or damage arising from the unauthorised use, reliance upon, or misinterpretation of this material.