Influence of chin height on perceived attractiveness in the orthognathic patient, layperson, and clinician

Abstract

AbstractObjective:To determine an objective and quantitative evaluation of how severity of chin height variations influence perceived attractiveness.Materials and Methods:The chin height of an idealized male and female frontal facial image was altered in 2.5-mm increments from −12.5 to 22.5 mm (male images) and from −10 to 20 mm (female images). These images were rated on a seven-point Likert scale by a preselected group of pretreatment orthognathic patients, clinicians, and laypeople.Results:The classical lower facial proportional canon of upper lip height as one third (33.3%), lower lip height as one third (33.3%) and chin height as one third (33.3%) of lower anterior face height (LAFH) may be used as an “ideal” proportional ratio. However, chin height variations within a given proportional range are largely unnoticed, ie, from approximately 30% chin height in relation to LAFH (male and female) up to approximately 40% (males) and 50% (females) chin height in relation to LAFH. Additionally, surgery is only desired with greater variations in chin height: greater than 50% and less than 20%–23% of LAFH in males, and greater than 58% and less than 20%–22% of LAFH in females. Patients and clinicians are more critical than laypeople, but no significant differences were found between clinicians and patients.Conclusions:In relation to the classical canon, surgical correction of chin height deformities are desired with chin height greater than 50% and less than 20%–23% of LAFH in males, and greater than 58% and less than 20%–22% of LAFH in females.