Influence of Lip Projection and Chin Position on Facial Profile Preferences Among Various Layers of Polish Population. Part 1

PURPOSE: This study aims to evaluate how the extent of altering lip projection in women and chin position in men influences the 22-year-old Caucasian’s facial profile attractiveness, in relation to respondents’ sex, age and place of residence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One female and one male orthognathic (SNA angle = 79–85°, Z angle = 75–78°) face profiles, with lips correctly positioned in relation to the E-line were photographed and digitally modified. This processing resulted in 30 photographs varying as for 1. the SNA angle determining orthognathic, prognathic (SNA angle >85°), or retrognathic (SNA angle <79°) profile and 2. lip projection/chin position: normal or protruded/retruded by 1 or 2 mm. The photographs were always shown in the same order to 418 respondents (306 women and 112 men) aged between 15 and 73 years, who provided their place of residence. The 11-point visual analogue scale (VAS) was used for the assessment of the facial profile attractiveness. RESULTS: All respondents found the prognathic profile with correct lip position in woman and correct chin position in man most attractive. Each major deviation from the norm resulted in a decrease in the scores awarded. Men ranked rethrognathic profiles significantly (p < 0.05) higher than women. The respondents under and over 25 years also differred (p < 0.05) in their evaluation: the older viewers were more critical regarding all female profiles with an exception of the retrognathic profile with 2 mm lips protrusion. The respondents’ place of residence did not affect the rating. CONCLUSION: 1 mm modification of lip projection and chin position significantly alter ranking the face profile attractiveness, thus any aesthetic medicine applied in this area requires extreme caution. Moreover, visualizing the results should be mandatory, especially in women older than 25 years of age, who are the most critical evaluators.