Have you ever wondered why some faces seem to captivate us instantly? The aesthetic ideal of facial proportions and harmony has been a topic of interest since antiquity. Canons of ideal facial dimensions have been known since ancient Greek and European Renaissance art and remain relevant in modern times. This article delves into the concept of equal facial thirds as it relates to the male ideal, exploring the nuances, variations, and perceptions surrounding this aesthetic principle.
Understanding Facial Proportions
Facial proportions are the foundation of harmony. They refer to the size and relationship of different facial features to one another. The concept of the “golden ratio,” a mathematical proportion found in nature and art, is often applied to facial aesthetics. To understand how to improve facial harmony, we first need to explore the key elements that contribute to a balanced appearance. Facial esthetic procedures’ success depends not only on improving facial features but also on facial harmony. Dermatologists can modify facial proportions with available cosmetic interventions.
Horizontal (into thirds) and vertical (into fifths) anatomical proportions can provide a valuable framework for cosmetic interventions. Symmetry is a hallmark of pretty faces. Improving facial esthetics requires knowing the norms of facial proportions. Most notably, clinicians should be mindful of facial proportions and overall facial harmony in ideal vertical and horizontal divisions of the face when injecting fillers or implants at the temples, zygomatic arch, jaw, chin, and lips. Giving attention to all target areas leads to greater patient satisfaction.
Horizontal Thirds
Leonardo da Vinci described dividing the face into equal thirds in his writings on human anatomy. Horizontal thirds - Leonardo da Vinci described dividing the face into equal thirds in his writings on human anatomy. The upper third extends from the trichion (the midline point of the normal hairline) to the glabella (the smooth prominence between the eyebrows). The middle third extends from the glabella to the subnasale (the midline point where the nasal septum meets the upper lip). The lower face can be divided into thirds, with the upper third extends from the sub nasale to the stomion (the midline point of the oral fissure when the lips are approximated) and the lower two-thirds extends from the stomion to the menton.
In his writings on human anatomy, Leonardo da Vinci described dividing the face into equal thirds. The upper third measures from the trichion (the midline point of the normal hairline) to the glabella (the smooth prominence between the eyebrows). The middle third measures from the glabella to the subnasale (the midline point where the nasal septum meets the upper lip). The lower third measures from the subnasale to the menton (the most inferior point of the chin).1
Read also: Get Rid of Facial Hair
Although the validity of the canon is intended to apply across race and gender, these proportions may vary by ethnicity (Table). In white individuals, the middle third of the face tends to be shorter than the upper and lower thirds.2 This same relationship has been observed in black males.3 In Chinese females, the upper third commonly is shorter than the middle and lower thirds, correlating with a less prominent forehead.
The relationship between modern perceptions of attractiveness and the neoclassical norm of equal thirds remains a topic of interest. Milutinovic et al1 examined facial thirds in white female celebrities from beauty and fashion magazines and compared them to a group of anonymous white females from the general population. The group of anonymous females showed statistically significant (P<.05) differences between the sizes of the 3 facial segments, whereas the group of celebrity faces demonstrated uniformity between the facial thirds.1
The lower face can itself be divided into thirds, with the upper third measured from the subnasale to the stomion (the midline point of the oral fissure when the lips are closed), and the lower two-thirds measured from the stomion to the menton (Figure 1). Mommaerts and Moerenhout5 examined photographs of 105 attractive celebrity faces and compared their proportions to those of classical sculptures of gods and goddesses (antique faces). The authors identified an upper one-third to lower two-thirds ratio of 69.8% in celebrity females and 69.1% in celebrity males; these ratios were not significantly different from the 72.4% seen in antique females and 73.1% in antique males.
Vertical Fifths
In the vertical dimension, the neoclassical canon of facial proportions divides the face into equal fifths.6 The 2 most lateral fifths are measured from the lateral helix of each ear to the exocanthus of each eye. The eye fissure lengths (measured between the endocanthion and exocanthion of each eye) represent one-fifth. The middle fifth is measured between the medial canthi of both eyes (endocanthion to endocanthion). This distance is equal to the width of the nose, as measured between both alae. Finally, the width of the mouth represents 1.5-times the width of the nose.
Anthropometric studies have examined deviations from the neoclassical canon according to ethnicity. Wang et al7 compared the measurements of North American white and Han Chinese patients to these standards. White patients demonstrated a greater ratio of mouth width to nose width relative to the canon. In contrast, Han Chinese patients demonstrated a relatively wider nose and narrower mouth.7
Read also: Choosing the right facial peel mask
In black individuals, it has been observed that the dimensions of most facial segments correspond to the neoclassical standards; however, nose width is relatively wider in black individuals relative to the canon as well as relative to white individuals.8
Milutinovic et al1 also compared vertical fifths between white celebrities and anonymous females. In the anonymous female group, statistically significant (P<.05) variations were found between the sizes of the different facial components. In contrast, the celebrity female group showed balance between the widths of vertical fifths.1
Sexual Dimorphism and Facial Proportions
Sexual dimorphism refers to phenotypic differences between sexes of the same species. In humans, differences in external genitalia, hair growth, muscle mass, and skeletal size are apparent. Sexual dimorphism in facial structure is often less obvious. Women have a smaller skull and more prominent upper facial characteristics, with a gradual taper in the facial silhouette from upper to lower. In contrast, men have a squarer face, a more angled and larger jaw, and equally balanced upper and lower facial proportions.
Forehead and Eyebrows
Forehead height and width are greater in men than in women. The male forehead has extensive supraorbital bossing, and superior to this, there is a flat area before the convex curvature of the upper forehead begins. In women, the eyebrow lies just above the orbital rim. The female eyebrow has an arch, that peaks in the lateral third, and a central medial downward slope with the medial head of the eyebrow lying at or just below the rim.13 In males, the eyebrow is flatter in contour and sits lower along the orbital rim.14 As women age, their eyebrow becomes straighter and moves closer to the eye, appearing more masculine.15 On average, the inferior border of the male eyebrow is 11 mm above the pupil. Although the orbit is absolutely larger and more round in men, the male orbit is proportionally smaller in relation to the size of the skull.19 The male upper eyelid crease is positioned 8 mm above the lid margin, whereas in women it is 12 mm above the lid margin.20 The male upper lid, unlike that of the female lid, tends to be fuller and more redundant.
Nose and Lips
The ideal male dorsal nose is wide and straight, whereas in females it is narrow and laterally concave. The contour of the male nasal dorsum follows a straight line from the radix to the tip. Labial sexual dimorphism is well reported in the literature. The upper lip is larger than the lower lip in women and older men, while young men have a larger lower lip. In a 2014 Italian study of 20 Caucasian men and 20 Caucasian women ages 21-65, the upper lip was 24.1% thicker in males compared to females (10.8 mm vs 8.7 mm, respectively).
Read also: PRP Facial Recovery Tips
Mandible and Jaw
The male mandible, which includes a prominent jaw and chin, is one of the most characteristic features of a masculine face. In a study of British men and women, subjects were asked the gender of a prototypical female face within which male features were digitally grafted. The results showed that the jaw, eyebrows/eyes, and chin, in descending order, effected the most significant change in perceived gender.26 Males have a protruding chin with well-developed lateral tubercles that combine to give a wide, square appearance to the lower jaw.27 Men also have large masseter muscles, which provide further definition. Prominent angulation of the mandibular ramis is typical of the male jaw and is commonly used in skeletal sex determination.28 As men age, the mandible becomes longer and wider in shape.29
Challenging the Notion of Equal Thirds
Now some people are probably saying not all attractive man fit into these facial thirds. It is important to note that facial proportions are guided by genetic and racial factors. Faces of different cultures and ethnic groups have other characteristics too which may be found attractive. While the concept of equal facial thirds provides a framework, it is not a rigid rule. Some argue that masculine facial thirds are not always equal in height. Masculine facial thirds are not equal in height; masc moggers’ lower thirds take ~40% of their faces’ heights.
The perception of beauty and aesthetics are not only shaped by external factors such as trends, press and social media, but also by personal experiences and expectations.
Redefining the Middle Third
The middle third should be measured the same as the midface. The middle of the pupils to the top of the upper lip. This redefinition of the middle 2 boundary lines’ positions also makes the upper third go downwards-as the middle third’s upper border lowers from the brows down to the pupils-which raises (or, physically speaking, lowers) the standards of the ideal hairline. Ideal masculine ratios are 3:3:4.
Lower Face: Full Face Ratio
While I said previously I think lower face:full face ratio is the most dimorphic ratio a man can have. The lower facial third plays a crucial role in defining masculinity. A strong jawline and chin are often associated with male attractiveness. When planning treatment, it is important for a practitioner to understand that gender differences with regards to the anatomy, histology of hard and soft tissues and surface contours must be considered. In addition, a performing physician should also have a sound understanding that these factors would also evolve through the distinctive male and female ageing patterns.
The Lips and Lower Facial Third
In the lower facial third, the lips represent a key element of attractiveness. Recently, lip augmentation, aimed at creating fuller and plumper lips, has dominated the popular culture and social media landscape.9 Although the aesthetic ideal of lips continues to evolve over time, recent studies have aimed at quantifying modern notions of attractive lip appearance.
Popenko et al10 examined lip measurements using computer-generated images of white women with different variations of lip sizes and lower face proportions. Computer-generated faces were graded on attractiveness by more than 400 individuals from focus groups. An upper lip to lower lip ratio of 1:2 was judged to be the most attractive, while a ratio of 2:1 was judged to be the least attractive. Results also showed that the surface area of the most attractive lips comprised roughly 10% of the lower third of the face.10
Penna et al11 analyzed various parameters of the lips and lower facial third using photographs of 176 white males and females that were judged on attractiveness by 250 volunteer evaluators. Faces were graded on a scale from 1 (absolutely attractive) to 7 (absolutely unattractive). Attractive males and females (grades 1 and 2) both demonstrated an average ratio of upper vermilion height to nose-mouth distance (measured from the subnasalae to the lower edge of the upper vermilion border) of 0.28, which was significantly greater than the average ratio observed in less attractive individuals (grades 6 or 7)(P<.05). In addition, attractive males and females demonstrated a ratio of upper vermilion height to nose-chin distance (measured from the subnasalae to the menton) of 0.09, which again was larger than the average ratio seen in less attractive individuals.
The Golden Ratio
The golden ratio, also known as Phi, can be observed in nature, art, and architecture. Approximately equal to 1.618, the golden ratio also has been identified as a possible marker of beauty in the human face and has garnered attention in the lay press. The ratio has been applied to several proportions and structures in the face, such as the ratio of mouth width to nose width or the ratio of tooth height to tooth width, with investigation providing varying levels of validation about whether these ratios truly correlate with perceptions of beauty.12
Swift and Remington13 advocated for application of the golden ratio toward a comprehensive set of facial proportions. Marquardt14 used the golden ratio to create a 3-dimensional representation of an idealized face, known as the golden decagon mask. Although the golden ratio and the golden decagon mask have been proposed as analytic tools, their utility in clinical practice may be limited. Firstly, due to its popularity in the lay press, the golden ratio has been inconsistently applied to a wide range of facial ratios, which may undermine confidence in its representation as truth rather than coincidence.
Facial Harmony and Aesthetic Procedures
Facial aesthetic procedures are central to cosmetic dermatology. Success depends not only on improving individual structures but also on establishing facial harmony. Several canons of aesthetic dimensions have been described, and these concepts can provide a useful basis for procedural planning. Given the growing number of available cosmetic interventions, dermatologists have a powerful ability to modify facial proportions; however, changes to individual structures should be made with a mindful approach to improving overall facial harmony.
Dermal fillers are a popular non-surgical option for improving facial harmony. These injectable treatments can enhance facial contours, restore volume, and smooth out wrinkles. For example, adding volume to the cheeks can help lift and balance the mid-face, while lip fillers can improve the proportion of the lips to the rest of the face. It’s important to note that filler results are temporary, typically lasting 6-18 months depending on the product used and the area treated.
Botox and other neuromodulators can significantly improve facial harmony by relaxing specific muscles. This can soften harsh lines, balance facial expressions, and even provide a subtle lift to certain areas. For instance, treating the muscles that pull down the corners of the mouth can create a more harmonious and youthful appearance.
The nose plays a central role in facial harmony, and even small changes can have a big impact. Rhinoplasty, or a “nose job,” can improve both the function and appearance of the nose. For example, reducing a prominent nasal hump or refining a bulbous tip can create better harmony with other facial features.
The chin plays a crucial role in facial profile and overall harmony. A weak or recessed chin can throw off the balance of the entire face, while a well-proportioned chin can enhance other features. Chin implants can add projection and improve the balance between the nose, lips, and chin. Sliding genioplasty, on the other hand, involves cutting and moving the chin bone itself, allowing for more significant changes.
As we age, changes in our facial structure can disrupt the harmony we once had. Facelift and neck lift procedures can restore balance by addressing sagging skin, loss of volume, and changes in facial contours. For instance, a facelift can restore volume to the cheeks and improve the jawline definition, while a neck lift can address excess skin and fat that can throw off the balance of the lower face.
Gender-Specific Considerations in Aesthetic Treatments
When treating both male and female patients, the fundamental principles of thorough patient assessment, knowledge and understanding of anatomy, correct product selection and safe practice apply. Differences between the two genders are numerous and extremely variable; therefore, it is important for both the practitioner and patient to be fully aware that there is no ‘one-size fits all’ treatment - even if treating patients who are of the same gender. In all, it is imperative for a practitioner to understand the various differences between the two genders as well as how such differences can affect the outcomes on patients.
Differences in anatomical structure in men and women, means that men may require more lifting to get comparable results to women. For example, in non-surgical procedures, techniques involving the deeper tissue layers of the face and neck may be required so that the male skin looks lifted and the face looks more natural, while for surgical procedures, longer use of compression dressings and drains may sometimes be required.
In the same vein, a practitioner has to consider one of the most common physiological factor when treating men, which is the greater number of microvessels present in the face, coupled with a dense vascular plexus to support hair follicles that produces thicker facial hair; as this could lead to a higher risk of hematoma, or a collection of blood beneath the skin post procedure when treating male patients.
Male vs Females
Although it is important that a practitioner never make assumptions as to what a patient’s treatment goals are based on gender or any other demographic measures, features that contribute to an overall aesthetically pleasing appearance are variable based on many factors including, but not limited to, age, gender and ethnicity.
Generally, facial attractiveness for women is mostly attributed to the cheekbones and prominent upper facial features, and traditionally the ‘golden ratio’ of upper to lower lip is 1:1.6; however, a shift in recent trends tends to favour the 1:1 ratio. Conversely, male attractiveness is mostly attributed to the masculine appearance that can be created with a strong jawline and chin, with the ideal facial shape having the chin width that corresponds to that of the mouth.
Anatomical Differences in Males and Females
Understanding that face ideality differs between genders is essential for the treatment of facial contouring, and having good anatomical knowledge of both genders plays an important role. Due to these anatomical differences, the perception and fundamental of beauty and attractiveness may also vary. In general, the ideal facial height to width ratio is thought to be 1.35:1 for males and 1.31:1 for females; with the vertical facial thirds being typically equal in women, while in men, the anterior lower facial height often slightly greater than that of the middle third.1. The male mandible is also more prominent in terms of flexure, thus resulting in a stronger, wider and more anteriorly projected chin with a more defined jawline and greater definition at the ramus and angle of mandible. On the other hand, females have demonstrated a significantly larger gonial angle (angle of the mandible).2.
Histological Differences
Knowledge in the physiological and chemical differences between male and female skin can also help practitioners devise a more tailored treatment plan to deliver optimum results. Some studies have shown that male skin comprises of larger pores and produces more sebum, making it more prone to congestion, the formation of pustules (spots) as well as the development of acne at a pre-adolescent age. In addition, skin pigmentation and cross-sectional thickness are also significantly higher in men. Male skin is also naturally higher in collagen content and demonstrates higher levels of lactic acid production, while at the subcutaneous level, female skin is shown to contain higher relative quantities of adipose tissue.3.
Differences in Muscles
The anatomical size and dynamic function (movement) of facial muscles also differs in the two genders. Generally, the female muscle bulk, including that of the facial musculature, is significantly lower than that in men, and kinetic energy generated by these muscles is comparably greater in men than in women. This results in larger movements of surface features and dimensionally greater facial expressions in men. Ultimately, these differences can have an impact on the formation of rhytides (wrinkles) and in turn define the differences in gender-specific ageing patterns.4.
Soft Tissue Features
When considering the soft tissues of the lower face, anatomical studies have shown that the female chin and jaws are narrower and less prominent compared to that of the male - with the chin sitting slightly posterior to the lower lip, whilst in men, they are in line. Deeper labiomental grooves are also observed in men, with most men having larger mouths (intercommissural distance), but smaller lips (particularly the upper lip) with wider and thicker philtral columns as compared to women. These differences in the soft tissue features can also have an effect on the different gender-specific ageing patterns, which can affect the overall attractiveness as well as the type of treatment required.
Gender Specific Facial Ageing
Anatomical structures differences and other factors can cause the facial ageing patterns in both genders to be significantly different. For example, facial ageing in the lower third of the face in men may be due to the gradual and progressive reductions in testosterone production as they age, while in women, it may be attributed to the abrupt decline in oestrogen production. This causes men to lose the masculine features of the lower third with reduction in the overall bony dimensions of the mandible (jawbone) through skeletal resorption, loss of the angular shape and definition of the jawline and sagging of the overlying skin to create pre-jowls; while on the other hand, women may experience masculinised ageing, adopting the typical male ‘square’ shaped lower face.
Furthermore, due to a higher level of adipose tissue at the subcutaneous level, women may more likely develop fine surface lines, as opposed to the deeper rhytides seen in men. In terms of the dynamism of the lower face, both men and women can be prone to masseteric hypertrophy through bruxism and other parafunctional habits, but the resulting cosmetic impact can be distinctively different with females developing a more masculine facial shape while irregular contours and aggressive appearances form in the male face.