Influence of Viewing Angle on Three-Dimensional Facial Aesthetic Evaluation and Gender-Related Facial Perception: An Eye-Tracking Study Using Asian Facial Models.

BACKGROUND: Three-dimensional facial analysis has become increasingly important in craniofacial aesthetic evaluation. However, facial appearance may vary with viewing angle, which may influence the interpretation of facial morphology and gender-related facial characteristics. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the influence of viewing angle on gender-related facial perception and visual attention using standardized three-dimensional facial models. METHODS: Thirty male and 30 female Asian facial models derived from three-dimensional facial scans were standardized and presented in frontal, oblique, and side views. Seventy observers evaluated facial images using a visual analog scale (VAS), and eye-tracking data were collected to analyze gaze distribution across predefined facial regions. RESULTS: Viewing angle influenced gender-related facial perception. Male and female facial models demonstrated different perceptual patterns across viewpoints, with variations in the magnitude and direction of perceptual deviation. Eye-tracking analysis showed preferential attention toward central facial regions, particularly the periorbital and nasal regions. CONCLUSIONS: Viewing angle affects the interpretation of gender-related facial characteristics in three-dimensional facial models. These findings highlight the importance of considering viewpoint-dependent variation during three-dimensional craniofacial aesthetic assessment and may provide additional insights for facial assessment and communication of aesthetic expectations in clinical practice.