The Golden Ratio in Facial Aesthetics

The Golden Ratio, also known as the Divine Proportion or theGolden Mean, is a mathematical concept that has fascinated mathematicians, artists, architects, and designers for centuries. Its origins can be traced back to ancient Greece, where the philosopher Euclid first described it in his treatise “Elements”. The Golden Ratio is expressed as the irrational number 1.6180339887..., which represents the proportion of two quantities where the ratio of the smaller to the larger is the same as the ratio of the larger to the sum of both. That last sentence is confusing so let’s use an example. If we compare the ideal proportion of the lower lip to the upper lip, the height of the upper lip would be “1” while the height of the lower lip by comparison would be “1.618”. So, the lower lip height is 61.8% taller than the upper lip. This is the ratio of the smaller to the larger. Now if we take the ratio of the lower lip height and compare it to the combined height of both lips, then the lower lip would be the “1” and the combined height would be“1.618” where the combined height of the whole lip is 61.8% taller than the height of the lower lip alone. This is the ratio of the larger to the sum of both. Still confused? The diagram below should help.

The Golden ratio has been used in a variety of ways throughout history. In mathematics, it has been used to describe the growth patterns of certain natural objects, such as the branching of trees or the shape of certain crystals. In the arts, it has been used as a design principle, with artists and architects incorporating the Golden Ratio into their works to achieve balance, harmony, and beauty. For example, the Parthenon in Athens and Hokusai’s Great Wave both make use of the Golden Ratio.

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In recent times, the Golden Ratio has also been applied to the field of facial aesthetics. Facial plastic surgeons, cosmetic dentists, and medical aestheticians have used the Golden Ratio as a guideline for improving the appearance of the face. The idea is that by following the principles of theGolden Ratio, a person’s face can be made more aesthetically pleasing and harmonious.

In facial Aesthetics, the Golden Ratio is used to evaluate the proportion of different facial features relative to each other. For example, the ideal width of the nose and the width of the lips are also said to be in the Golden Ratio to the overall proportions of the face. By using these guidelines, a medical aesthetician can augment facial features that will result in a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.

While the Golden Ratio has been embraced by many in the field of facial aesthetics, we must remember that it should be used more as a guideline than a hard and fast rule. Each person is unique and sometimes, it is impossible to make a person’s face meet these proportions. However, we can use it as a guide to improve the overall balance of a person’s face and maintain a natural appearance. It is also important to point out that what may be considered aesthetically pleasing in one culture may not be considered aesthetically pleasing in another. For example, Western cultures view a face in line with the Golden Ratio as more aesthetically pleasing, while African and Asian cultures prefer a wider face, flatter nose, and fuller cheeks.

In conclusion the Golden Ratio is a fascinating and enduring concept that has been used in various fields, including mathematics, art, architecture, and design. In recent times, it has also been applied to the field of facial aesthetics with surgeons, dentists, and medical aestheticians using it as a guideline for improving the appearance of the face. However, it is also important to remember that we are treating individuals, so we must consider the individual’s unique qualities, cultural background, and personal preferences when evaluating and improving facial appearances. Nevertheless, it acts as a good guideline and remains a popular concept that continues to inspire and influence those in the field of medical aesthetics.

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Phil Wong

March 16, 2023

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