Evaluation of facial aesthetics using anthropometric dimensions

Aims: To determine the anthropometric facial dimensions of a group of young Nigerian females, and investigate the relationship of derived proportions with ideal facial proportions, new golden ratio values and perceived facial aesthetics. Materials and methods: Standardized frontal facial photographs were obtained from a sample of female Nigerian undergraduates from which anthropometric facial measurements and proportions were derived. Another sample of undergraduates evaluated the facial photographs on a Visual Analogue Scale for aesthetics. Data was analyzed with Independent sample t- test and One-way ANOVA on SPSS version 26. Statistical significance was set at p< 0.05. Results: The mean horizontal middle third facial dimension (61.04 mm, SD =11.79) was significantly lower than upper (73.10 mm, SD =10.82) and lower third dimensions (75.49 mm, SD = 6.17) (p < 0.001). The most lateral vertical fifths, postaurale- exocanthus (r) [27.23 mm (SD = 4.45)] and exocanthus – postaurale (l) [29.87 mm (SD = 4.29)] were significantly lower than other vertical fifth dimensions (p < 0.001). Derived facial proportions did not conform with the ideal proportion of 1:1.618, upper lip to total lip ratio was 1: 3.1 and derived new golden ratios were 0.35 (vertical) and 0.24 (horizontal). Nose to chin and nose to forehead (Me-ln: ln-tr) dimensions of photographs judged as aesthetic and unaesthetic were significantly different (p = 0.033). Conclusion: Horizontal third and vertical fifth facial dimensions of studied Nigerians were unequal, derived facial proportions did not conform to ideal facial proportions and new golden ratio values. Deviations from ideal proportions can exist with perceived pleasing facial aesthetics.