Validation of Photonumeric Assessment Scales for Temple Volume Deficit, Infraorbital Hollows, and Chin Retrusion

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Assessment scales are valuable tools in aesthetic clinical research and practice. OBJECTIVE: To validate 3 photonumeric scales covering temple volume deficit, infraorbital hollows, and chin retrusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Subjects reflecting the whole range of the scales were assessed independently by 3 evaluators at 2 separate occasions. Intraobserver agreement (the ability of each evaluator to assess the same grade for a specific subject at both evaluation occasions) and interobserver agreement (the degree to which evaluators independently provided identical grades for the same subject) were measured by weighted kappa statistics and percent exact agreement. RESULTS: Approximately 70 subjects were included in each scale validation. The predefined success criteria of an intraobserver weighted kappa coefficient of ≥0.6 and an interobserver median pairwise weighted kappa coefficient of ≥0.6 were met for each scale. These results indicate substantial agreement, both between the 2 evaluations, and between the 3 evaluators. CONCLUSION: These scales covering temple volume deficit, infraorbital hollows, and chin retrusion are validated assessment tools, based on live evaluations. Intraobserver agreement (between the 2 evaluations) and interobserver agreement (between the 3 evaluators) were both substantial.