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

OBJECTIVE

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.