Comparison of Facial Proportions Between Eastern and Western Attractive Young Women

Abstract

The characteristics of what is considered a beautiful face differ between Eastern and Western countries.The authors of this study analyzed beauty pageant contestants using a three-dimensional (3D) photogrammetric analysis tool. All of the 3D photographs were taken between October and November 2016 in Seoul, Korea. The participants were 43 Miss Korea contestants (Group I) and 22 Miss Paraguay contestants (Group II).In absolute length, those in Group I had longer upper and middle faces. In the proportions of volume and length, Group I had larger upper and middle faces than Group II. Widths of the lower face and entire face were also wider in Group I. The lower facial index was larger in Group I. Group I had longer noses and wider intercanthal distance, not only in absolute length but also in proportion to the face. Group II showed thicker lips, longer chins, and wider noses relative to the face. Group II had wide eyes, in the absolute measurement and in proportion to the face. Group I participants appeared to have an increased height of eyes and had wider angles in their faces as well as wider nasofrontal, labiomental, and nasomental angles.The authors objectively established reference data for faces that are considered attractive in the East and the West. The data are expected to contribute to the clinical practice of plastic surgeons.