Assessing the influence of lower facial profile convexity on perceived attractiveness in the orthognathic patient, clinician, and layperson.

Objective: The aim was a quantitative evaluation of how the severity of lower facial profile convexity influences perceived attractiveness.

Study Design: The lower facial profile of an idealized image was altered incrementally between 14° to -16°. Images were rated on a Likert scale by orthognathic patients, laypeople, and clinicians.

Results: Attractiveness ratings were greater for straight profiles in relation to convex/concave, with no significant difference between convex and concave profiles. Ratings decreased by 0.23 of a level for every degree increase in the convexity angle. Class II/III patients gave significantly reduced ratings of attractiveness and had greater desire for surgery than class I.

Conclusions: A straight profile is perceived as most attractive and greater degrees of convexity or concavity deemed progressively less attractive, but a range of 10° to -12° may be deemed acceptable; beyond these values surgical correction is desired. Patients are most critical, and clinicians are more critical than laypeople.