Effects of deviations in the nose and chin prominence on facial attractiveness

Objective: To assess the effects of deviations in the nose and chin prominence on facial attractiveness.

Methods: In this study, a reference digital photograph was taken from the facial profile view of an adult female model. Some changes were made in the nose and chin prominence in Photoshop software using the Crumley's analysis. Changes made in the nose prominence yielded a prominent nose (2:11 ratio), a normal nose (3:53 ratio) and a small nose (4:61 ratio). Changes made in the chin prominence were protrusion by +2 and 0 mm and retrusion by -2, -4 and -6 mm (distance from the pogonion to the vertical reference line). In total, 18 orthodontists, 18 oral and maxillofacial surgeons, 18 art students and 18 laypeople evaluated the photographs (n = 15) and expressed their opinion regarding the facial profile attractiveness using a visual analogue scale (0-100). Data were analysed using SPSS version 18.

Results: A significant difference was noted in the ratings of photographs (Greenhouse-Geisser, P < 0.001). Orthodontists gave a significantly higher score than laypeople to photographs with a small nose and deviations of the chin prominence (P = 0.015). Art students gave a significantly higher score than laypeople to photographs with a prominent chin and deviations in the nose prominence (P = 0.012).

Conclusions: Facial profile with a normal (3:53 ratio) or small (4:61 ratio) nose and chin protrusion/retrusion by 2 mm (pogonion-vertical line) is considered attractive.