Influence of upper lip inclination on facial profile attractiveness: A perceptive analysis

Abstract

BACKGROUND: One of the major objectives of orthodontic treatment is to improve facial attractiveness. To orthodontists, this means that the nose, lips, and chin form an attractive outline when the faces are viewed from one side. The aim of the study is to evaluate the influence of lip inclination on perceived attractiveness using North Indian observer ratings on profile silhouettes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A profile photograph of an Indian male and female were converted to silhouettes for the study using computer software. The lip inclination of the idealized profile image was altered in two-degree increments to create a series of profiles with different upper lip inclination angles and rated by laypersons on a Likert scale. RESULTS: An angle of 79° was deemed to be neither attractive nor unattractive. Therefore, within the range of 65°–75°, the pictures were deemed acceptable. Angles above or below this range, up to 91° were perceived as slightly unattractive, and anything outside the range of 93°–105° was deemed very unattractive. LIMITATIONS: The study is not generalizable to ethnic groups other than the North Indian population. Another limitation is the inability to visualize the entire face for a complete facial analysis. CONCLUSION: An upper lip inclination of 75°–85° in the male profile was associated with perceived attractiveness in all three groups whereas it was in the range of 65°–75° for a female profile. An upper lip inclination angle ranging from 95° to 105° was associated with unattractiveness in all three groups of observers and requires correctional intervention.